Real Madrid hopeful on Benzema recovery ahead of first leg against PSG

Real Madrid’s French forward Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on November 6, 2021. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / AFP)

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday he is optimistic Karim Benzema can recover in time to play against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Last 16 first leg match on Tuesday.

Benzema’s absence would be a huge blow to Real Madrid, given the Frenchman has scored 27 goals in 33 games for them so far this season.

He has missed Madrid’s last two matches with a hamstring injury and will also sit out Saturday’s visit to Villarreal in La Liga.

Ancelotti said the 34-year-old is still training alone and is expected to resume work with the team on either Sunday or Monday, ahead of the crunch first leg in Paris.

“What we have are good feelings,” said Ancelotti in a press conference on Friday.

“He continues to work individually.

“We have to wait for him to start training with the team and he will do that on Sunday or Monday, then we will make the decision.

“So far I can’t say anything but the feelings of everyone — his, mine and those of the doctors — are good.”

Ancelotti said he would not push Benzema back before he is ready.

“Risk does not exist. If we think that Karim can play, he will play safely. If there is even a minimal risk, he will not play,” Ancelotti said.

Madrid sit six points clear of Sevilla at the top of La Liga but this weekend face a resurgent Villarreal side, whose six wins in their last eight league games have propelled them back into contention for the top four.

Ancelotti said Ferland Mendy will not be available but should be back in