Karim Benzema will be fit to play some part in Sunday’s derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, Zinedine Zidane said on Saturday.
Atletico could move eight points clear of their city rivals with a victory but Zidane and Atleti coach Diego Simeone insist the game will not be decisive in La Liga’s title race.
Benzema has missed Real Madrid’s last three matches with a groin injury but Zidane said the Frenchman will return at the Wanda Metropolitano, although would not say if he will start. “We are happy to see him again with us.
He will be with us and we’ll see how it goes tomorrow,” said Zidane in a press conference on Friday.
Benzema, who has scored 12 goals in La Liga this season, trained on Thursday and Friday ahead of the match.
“We are not going to risk anything,” Zidane added. “If there is a doubt, I don’t like it, because you can do more damage and the players that are going to play must always be 100 per cent.
” Real Madrid have been unable to score more than once in any of their last three games without Benzema, despite creating plenty of chances in a 1-1 draw at home to Real Sociedad on Monday.
“We know what Karim is, it’s not just about the goals,” said Zidane.
“Karim is a focal point so he is important in our system, especially when we have the ball. (AFP)
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