Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Karim Benzema will again be absent for Tuesday's Champions League clash with RB Leipzig.
The 34-year-old was initially named in the squad for Saturday's game with Sevilla, but Los Blancos then ruled him out of the contest due to muscular fatigue.
"After the tests carried out today on our player Karim Benzema by the Real Madrid Medical Services, muscle fatigue has been detected in the quadriceps of his left leg. Pending evolution," read a statement on Real Madrid's official website.
Benzema picked up the issue during a training session on Friday, and Ancelotti revealed after the 3-1 victory over Sevilla that the forward would not be available for the European game with Leipzig.
However, he should be able to return against Girona in the league next weekend.
"He won't be fit for Tuesday, but I think he'll make Sunday's game. I'm not worried about him because it's a very minor issue he picked up yesterday," Ancelotti told reporters.
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"It's true that he hasn't had a decent run, but when he is fit and motivated, he remains a very important player for us, although we've got such strength in depth that we've been able to cover the absence of such an important player."
Benzema has scored six times and registered one assist in 11 appearances in all competitions this season, but he has already suffered two separate injuries this season, with the latest issue being the third.
Rodrygo was given the nod through the middle against Sevilla, and Ancelotti praised the Brazilian for his performance at Bernabeu.
"Rodrygo is moving around right now and doesn't have a fixed position, like Benzema. His ability to move around is important for us," said the Italian.
Meanwhile, the club's head coach was also keen to pay tribute to Vinicius Junior, who provided two assists during an impressive performance against Jorge Sampaoli's side.
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"Vinicius gave two assists, but two assists to basically make a goal. To me, that can be even better than scoring a goal yourself and I told him that. I told him he should be really happy with what he did today because he showed great humility," said Ancelotti.
The 63-year-old also said that he is working with "one of the best squads" that he has ever managed, with Real Madrid still unbeaten in all competitions this term.
"This is one of the best squads I've ever had, if not the best. I like to coach this team because they don't give me problems, they have full trust in what we are doing," he added.
Real Madrid have another five matches before the season breaks for the World Cup, taking on Leipzig, Girona, Celtic, Rayo Vallecano and Cadiz, and they will then not be back in action until December 30 against Real Valladolid.
Matt Law
