Could Karim Benzema miss Real Madrid’s match at Getafe?

Real Madrid will have to deal with several significant absences on Sunday against Getafe. Ferland Mendy is injured. Casemiro is suspended. Nacho Fernandez won’t be starting either. Vinicius Junior needs rest. And still more absences could be factored in, including all-important striker Karim Benzema.

With 19 goals in La Liga this season, Benzema has nearly four times as many goals as the second-leading Real Madrid scorer, defensive midfielder Casemiro. Who, again, won’t be playing this Sunday against the notoriously physical Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Although Benzema didn’t seem to be injured at the time, he is dealing with discomfort following Real’s grueling 0-0 draw with Liverpool in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.

According to a report from MARCA’s Pablo Polo and Jose Luis Calderon, Zinedine Zidane must make a decision on Karim Benzema’s status. The challenge very early in the match against Liverpool from James Milner is still affecting the No. 9. And Benzema may have to give him some relief this Sunday against Getafe so he can recover a bit.

Real Madrid may have to rest Karim Benzema against Getafe

Real Madrid could choose to rest Benzema against a different La Liga side before the all-important clash with Chelsea on Apr. 27. They will face Cadiz on Wednesday and then Real Betis next Saturday.

Getafe are the weakest of the three sides based on the table, but Real’s lineup will also be at its weakest. Meanwhile, Real lost to Cadiz earlier this season. Betis are sixth in the table.

It is not an easy decision for Zidane to make, but don’t be surprised if he goes the cautious route. Real Madrid need to win every match in La Liga to secure the title in such a tight race, but Benz’s fitness is of paramount importance in both competitions. He would be missed against Getafe, but he would be missed even more if he is worn down for longer.

As for his replacement, the only striker option is the underwhelming Mariano Diaz after Real loaned Luka Jovic to Eintracht Frankfurt. Mariano has been poor this season, but his goal in last year’s Clasico is a reminder that he can capture lightning in a bottle.