Karim Benzema is expected to be fit to face Liverpool despite being ruled out of Real Madrid’s upcoming La Liga clash with Espanyol.
The 35-year-old, who scored twice in the Spanish giants’ 5-2 win at Anfield last month, missed training earlier this week because of an ankle. The Frenchman has been troubled by repeated muscle injuries so far this season, and was forced to withdraw from France’s squad for last year’s 2022 World Cup because of a thigh injury.
He has still scored 18 goals from 27 appearances so far this season though, while he has scored an impressive six goals from just seven career appearances against Liverpool.
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The Real Madrid captain has also never suffered defeat against the Reds, and will be looking to maintain that record when Jurgen Klopp’s side travel to the Bernabeu for their second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie on Wednesday 15 March.
Madrid already have one foot in the quarter-finals, courtesy of their dominant 5-2 victory at Anfield. And they have been handed an injury boost as they look to win the Champions League for a record 15th time after manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Benzema will be fit to face Liverpool.
“(Benzema) has a knock on his ankle and it has swollen,” the Italian said ahead of hosting Espanyol. “He has trained individually today and he will be ready for the game against Liverpool.
“I believe it is inevitable that this hurts us (when he’s absent) because Karim is so important for us, especially after his performances last season. But we have yet to reach the important part of the season. We are confident he will be there to help us.”
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