Real Madrid defeated both Real Valladolid and Atalanta in their last two matches despite not having Karim Benzema available at striker. They won both matches by a 1-0 scoreline, as Casemiro headed home a Toni Kroos free kick over the weekend in La Liga before Ferland Mendy was the Champions League hero with a career-best curler from long range.
Los Blancos will likely be without Benzema for more than just those two games, but there is hope that he will be able to make a quick return on Monday against Real Sociedad.
According to a report from MARCA’s Santiago Siguero, Karim Benzema is feeling better “every day” and has not been completely ruled out of Monday’s match against La Real at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.
That said, Siguero reports that some in the team believe it is better to take things slowly with Benz, and Madridistas likely agree with them.
Karim Benzema will most likely return for Real Madrid at Atleti
But Benzema is fully expected to be ready to return to the lineup for El Derbi on Mar. 7 at the Wanda Metropolitano. That’s the date reportedly circled for Benzema’s return, as that is a crucial fixture for Los Merengues. Real are currently three points behind their big title rivals, and Atleti still have one game in hand on the reigning champions of La Liga.
Benzema is not the only key absence for Real Madrid, of course. Eden Hazard, Fede Valverde, Sergio Ramos, Rodrygo Goes, and Dani Carvajal have all been out. There is hope that Hazard will be able to return for El Derbi, but, as of right now, it seems like Benzema is more likely to be back for the rivalry matchup.
In Benzema’s stead, Los Blancos have used either Mariano Diaz up top or Isco as a false nine. The latter has actually outplayed Mariano. If Benzema cannot go against Real Sociedad next week, which seems like the current expectation despite him not being ruled out, then Isco could very well get the nod as a starter again.