Karim Benzema participated in part of the collective training this Sunday, two days before the knockout stages of the Champions League against PSG. If the French then contented himself with trotting, the situation is confirmed: the trend is positive as for his presence, Tuesday in Paris, even diminished. However, the recovery program is following its course and a final decision will be made on Monday evening.
Other good news: Ferland Mendy completed the entire collective session on Sunday. A progression, there too, while the defender had participated in only part of the training, two days earlier. As announced by Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, the former Lyonnais will be traveling to France.
Saturday against Villarreal, the Merengues were still able to measure the weight of the absence of Benzema in the game. Since his injury, the club has scored only once in forty-four shots in three games.
The untouchable historical environment
Gareth Bale, holder to everyone’s surprise on Saturday against Villarreal – a first with the Merengue jersey since August 28 – got the best opportunities. An unexpected but credible option? “I don’t know if Bale will start on Tuesday because we could get everyone back” warned Ancelotti with a smile on Saturday after the match.
In defense, Mendy should replace the Brazilian and captain Marcelo, still in difficulty, without impact, on Saturday.
The rest of the eleven should be classic with in particular the historic midfielder Casemiro-Kroos-Modric. Untouchable also the pair of central defenders: Militao – Alaba. Vinicius and Asensio should accompany Benzema in attack if the latter validates the latest tests.