Ancelotti confirms Benzema will miss Madrid derby

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has ruled Karim Benzema out of Sunday’s clash with Atletico Madrid.

The France international picked up a thigh injury against Celtic in the Champions League on September 6, which forced him to sit out the matches with Mallorca and RB Leipzig.

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The centre-forward had been working with a physiotherapist in a bid to overcome the issue in time for the Madrid derby at Wanda Metropolitano.

However, speaking during his press conference yesterday, Ancelotti confirmed that the 34-year-old would not be available for Real Madrid until after the international break.

“Benzema will not be ready for the match, he has started to work individually. He will have the break in order to come back after. I am clear on the plan,” the Italian told reporters.

Rodrygo and Eden Hazard are in contention to play through the middle in Benzema’s absence, and it is believed that the former will get the nod in a front three with Federico Valverde and Vinicius Junior.

Benzema has again been in strong form at club level during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring four goals and registering one assist in six appearances in all competitions.