Real Madrid fans react to Karim Benzema’s hamstring injury

There are two players Real Madrid cannot afford to lose to injury: striker Karim Benzema and left-winger Vinicius Junior.

Unfortunately, Benzema was forced off during the 2-2 draw with Elche at the Santiago Bernabeu with a hamstring problem. Carlo Ancelotti called Luka Jovic off the bench after the number nine was spotted grabbing at his left hamstring in the 58th minute.

The injury appeared to happen when Benzema and Eden Hazard attempted a one-two link up at the top of the box just a few minutes prior to his substitution.

Despite losing the star striker, Los Blancos rallied from two goals down in the final eight minutes to salvage a point against relegation-embattled Elche. Luka Modric scored from the penalty spot – after Karim missed from the spot in the 32nd minute – and Eder Militao nodded in the game-tying goal off a Vini assist in the 92nd minute.

Fans weigh in on Benzema’s early departure

I’m with you, Professor! We won’t know the extent of the injury until Tuesday at the earliest, however, if it’s a pull or simply a tweak, it’s a good thing Real Madrid doesn’t play until February 3. But if there is a tear of some kind, uh oh.

Translation: ‘Benzema’s problem is discomfort in the ischium of his left leg. He has requested the change as a precaution. Tests to be carried out Tuesday.’

This is encouraging if indeed true. Keep those fingers crossed!

More encouraging news! Counting down the moments until Tuesday when we hear the results from the test.

As you would expect to see deep in the heart of Real Madrid Twitter, when one door closes, another one opens. Benzema’s early substitution offered Luka Jovic another chance to prove he is deserving of a spot in the squad. But he again was silent

He looked out of sync with his teammates for much of the half-hour he was on, failing to register a shot. If Benzema is to miss more than a match or two, Ancelotti is going to need to dig deep into his bag of tricks to find some firepower.

An injury and his first miss from the penalty spot as a Real Madrid player? It just wasn’t Benzema’s day.

*Gulp*. Being without the full complement of South American players because of international duty and missing Karim Benzema could spell disaster for Real in the Copa del Rey. I’m getting nervous!