Benzema’s France call-up hinges on Madrid derby says Ancelotti

Real Madrid’s Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti reacts as he speaks during a press conference at Celtic Park in Glasgow on September 5, 2022, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League Group F football match against Celtic. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says if the injured Karim Benzema is unable to play in next week’s La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid it will rule the star striker out of contention for France’s Nations League World Cup warm-up games.

Benzema, a hot favourite to pick up next month’s Ballon d’Or, suffered a right thigh injury in Tuesday’s 3-0 Champions League win at Celtic.

And Ancelotti said on Saturday: “Karim? We’ll see if he can make the derby. What’s certain is that if he doesn’t play the derby he won’t be joining his national team.”

World Cup winners France continue the preparations for the defence of their 2018 crown against Austria on September 22 and Denmark three days later.

Ancelotti added of the French forward: “These are the sort of things that can happen

“There’s a minor issue, but last year too he had a physical problem in December and we were able to deal with it.

“This year, it’ll be the same thing.”

The 34-year-old striker hobbled off after half an hour of the game at Parkhead with Real going on to run out impressive winners as they kicked off their title defence in style.

“Without him, the team played really well against Celtic, especially in attack,” Ancelotti observed, ahead of Sunday’s La Liga clash with Real Mallorca.

Eden Hazard will as he did in Glasgow step into Benzema’s role on Sunday.

While praising the Belgian for his performance in Scotland Ancelotti noted: “Benzema doesn’t have a natural replacement.

“He’s the best centre forward in the world, and