Karim Benzema will miss Madrid Derby, Oblak returns

Web Desk

17th Sep, 2022. 09:25 pm
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Karim Benzema will miss Real Madrid’s clash.
Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby on Sunday.

Karim Benzema will play in the Madrid derby match against Atletico Madrid, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti’s announcement on Saturday.

The French attacker was hoped to be healthy after missing the team’s last two games due to a thigh ailment, but he did not work out with the group on Saturday.

“Benzema will not make the game,” Ancelotti told a news conference ahead of Sunday’s derby at the Wanda Metropolitano.

“He has started to work individually. He’ll stay here during the international break to be ready to return when La Liga is back.”

The forward Vinicius Junior engaged in dancing goal celebrations in Spain that some have deemed insulting, and the coach did not want to get involved in that debate.

“I am not his father, I am not his brother, I am just his coach,” said Ancelotti. “He is playing football with the joy that he has, with the happiness that he has.”

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak will return to action for Atletico Madrid after missing Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League loss at Bayer Leverkusen and Saturday’s 4-1 La Liga victory over Celta Vigo due to injury.

Simeone stated his team is capable of defeating their adversaries, who have won all eight of their games across all competitions, and that the Slovenian was prepared to play.

“I always think in the big games and derbies it is important how you arrive, but the moment that you start the game, it’s a new story,” said Simeone.

“Everything is all very well until the referee blows the whistle, then it’s a new film and we don’t know the ending. That’s why this game is so fun.”