Karim Benzema was forced off the field in Real Madrid’s first Champions League match of the season against Celtic owing to an unexplained injury. When the Frenchman returned to Spain, testing revealed that he had knee bursitis, which would require at least 7 to 10 days to recover from.
During that time, Real Madrid will play Mallorca on the weekend and RB Leipzig later in the same week, and Benzema is likely to miss both games.
Since Real Madrid lost the El Clasico last season, the requirement for a backup striker has been apparent, and worries about the same continued to swirl during the summer window. However, Los Blancos were unable to enforce the position and continue to rely solely on Benzema.
The only natural striker they have as a backup is Mariano Diaz, who is expected to spend most of his time on the bench and despite being aware of that Real Madrid were simply unable to sign a decent reserve striker for Benzema who could cover for the Frenchman in situations like these.
However, the window is now closed, so lamenting about the hundred possibilities around the idea of what could have been is pointless. Rather, it would be preferable to concentrate on the current roster of the squad and potential combinations that may be used to get the most out of each player.
In Benzema’s absence, two Real Madrid forwards could make a case to fill his shoes
The issue that emerges is which player from the team will assume the position of a striker, fill the hole, and score the desperately required goals now that Benzema has been ruled out of at least two important upcoming games.
It is quite obvious and widely known that Real Madrid greatly rely on Benzema and his new burgeoning pair with Vinicius Junior for goals, and so the players who are anticipated to fill the striker job for the time being are supposed to be threatening in front of goal and integrate well with the rest of the team, notably the Brazilian, who might explode with the correct assistance upfront.
It appears like either Eden Hazard or Rodrygo Goes will replace Benzema’s absence, and the two may even be switched as the games progress to evaluate which player is more productive offensively.
Hazard and Rodrygo are two technically gifted players who have the potential to excel if given the freedom they want. They will certainly not be able to totally recreate Benzema’s efficiency, but they will give adequate support for others like Vinicius to have an impact or team up with them to make some on their own.
The game against Celtic provided Hazard with yet another chance to redeem himself, and expectations for the Belgian are once again high. His involvement in all three goals scored in that game was encouraging, as did his dribbles, which appeared more successful and merged with the spontaneity and creativity Hazard was renowned for in his golden days at Chelsea.
Furthermore, numerous plans were constantly being developed to integrate Hazard into the squad as an offensive midfielder or a false 9 who plays in a more central role, and now that the position is open, this may be the appropriate opportunity to provide the 31-year-old the minutes he so needs.
Concerning Rodrygo, the player has significantly improved between the conclusion of last season and the start of this one. He has begun to provide more meaningful and concrete performances, which have begun to come in more consistently.
Carlo Ancelotti has openly expressed his admiration for the young Brazilian and stated that he views him as the team’s second striker.
Being a great sub who comes off the bench late in the second half has worked really well for Rodrygo in the past, and now could be the time to give him a starting berth in the team.
The benefits he brings to the table are numerous, and the most appealing of them all is how effectively he works with Vinicius to improve and carry the game ahead. The two Brazilians have a great connection and understanding that may come in handy if Rodrygo plays closer to Vinicius from the centre rather than considerably farther from the opposite wing.
Whether it’s Hazard or Rodrygo, both players bring their own set of advantages to the table that are as comparable as they are distinguishable and unique to each. Both stars have their own ways of making an impact, and we’d leave it to Ancelotti to try them in mixes that best fit the other players while limiting the effects of Benzema’s absence.
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