Real Madrid confident Benzema will return in time for Real Valladolid clash | OneFootball

Real Madrid captain and superstar Karim Benzema was dealt with a huge heartbreak this past weekend as he was ruled out of the FIFA World Cup 2022 due to an injury.

The 34-year-old had been struggling with muscular discomfort heading into the tournament and had not played Los Blancos’ final few matches before the World Cup break.

While he was said to be closing in on a return, the centre-forward suffered a fresh injury setback, ruling him out of the World Cup.

The Frenchman is already back in Madrid and will go through additional tests at the Valdebebas facility before starting his rehabilitation.

And, according to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid are confident that Benzema will be back in time for their first match after the World Cup against Real Valladolid.

The reigning La Liga champions will travel to Estadio Jose Zorrilla on December 30 to face Valladolid and believe that their captain and ace goalscorer will be ready to return to action by that time.

Benzema has already missed half of Real Madrid’s 14 La Liga matches this season including each of the previous four. He has also not played in two of their UEFA Champions League group matches.

In his 12 matches across all competitions, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has scored six goals and set up one more.

In his absence, manager Carlo Ancelotti has relied on Rodrygo Goes to fill in as the No. 9. The Brazilian has done well while deployed as a centre-forward and will have a major role to play if Benzema’s fitness woes continue.

But for now, though, Real Madrid are confident of having Benzema back in time for the match against Real Valladolid on December 30.