MADRID – Real Madrid’s Champions League success has been heavily reliant on the contribution of striker Karim Benzema, however, doubts have arisen over the Frenchman’s ability to maintain his European dominance this season due to his recurring injury issues.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful that the 35-year-old forward will remain with the club next year, as his contract is set to expire in June, and he believes that legends of the club should stay at Madrid.
Despite missing Madrid’s La Liga win over Espanyol due to an ankle issue, Benzema is expected to return to face Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday in a last 16 second leg clash.
However, his injury record this season is cause for concern, with the forward missing 34 percent of Madrid’s games across all competitions this season due to various injuries.
Benzema’s future at Madrid remains uncertain, and although he played a crucial role in Madrid’s Champions League success last season, where they clinched a record 14th triumph, his injury issues this season have dampened expectations of a repeat performance.
The forward has aged like fine wine, playing his best football in his later years, and becoming a top-class goalscorer. Last season, he scored 44 goals in 46 games across all competitions, finishing as the Champions League’s top scorer with 15 goals.
With the fate of his future at Madrid still unknown, some Spanish news outlets have rekindled links with PSG’s Kylian Mbappe, but Madrid fans are also excited about young prospect Alvaro Rodriguez, although it may be too soon to expect significant contributions on the European stage.
Real Madrid’s hopes of retaining the trophy this season rest heavily on Benzema, who has caused worry each time he has suffered a new setback.
Despite some speculation that he has been preserving himself for the team’s biggest matches, his form has been inconsistent this season, leaving fans and coaches wondering if he can deliver on the European stage once again.
