Karim Benzema set to return against Osasuna | OneFootball

Karim Benzema is set to return for Real Madrid against Osasuna on October 2, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The French striker used the international break to strengthen his knee at Madrid’s training centre in Valdebebas. The 34-year-old will resume full training before the end of the week.

Benzema has been out of action for three weeks after limping off in the Champions League tie against Celtic in Scotland.

His knee problems have been known for some time now, specifically bursitis.

Before the game, there were doubts about whether the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year would pass a late fitness test to face the Scottish champions. However, Carlo Ancelotti put him in the starting XI.

Around the 25th minute, Benzema began to extend his right knee and grimace in pain. Eden Hazard replaced him.

Following tests by Real Madrid Medical Services, they found an injury to the semitendinosus tendon and a strain to the quadricep muscle in his right thigh.

While Madrid have not particularly missed Benzema, Ancelotti will be happy that the striker is close to fitness. The Italian manager will want Benzema fit and firing for the next stretch of the season.

With their upcoming double-header against Shakhtar Donetsk, Madrid can seal qualification from the Champions League group. They could qualify for the round of 16 with two games to spare.

In between those fixtures, there is the El Clasico against Barcelona. It is a chance for Ancelotti’s men to secure their grip at the top of the table against their rivals.

Rodrygo and Hazard played as central strikers for Los Blancos in the absence of Benzema. They won three out of three, including a morale-boosting away victory against City rivals Atletico Madrid.

Madrid have continued where they left off last campaign. The 14-time Champions League winners are unbeaten season, winning all their games.

They have also secured the UEFA Super Cup and will be gunning for a domestic treble and intercontinental dominance.