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FootballKarim Benzema: Debate Rages on Whether Real Madrid Attacker Is Saving Himself for World Cup Action With France
- Constant injuries have kept forward Karim Benzema out of Real Madrid's recent fixtures in La Liga
- Benzema was selected for the French World Cup squad despite suffering from muscular issues recently
- Football fans believe that Benzema is faking an injury to avoid risking injury before the World Cup
Is Karim Benzema avoiding playing for Real Madrid to save himself for the World Cup?
That’s the question still doing the rounds after the French attacker missed Madrid’s final game before the World Cup against Cádiz. Madrid won the game 2-1.
It took goals from Éder Militão (Defender) and Toni Kroos (Midfielder) to give Madrid the victory, as they once again struggled without Benzema upfront.
Benzema has been absent recently with muscular problems and has missed Madrid’s last four games in La Liga, Transfermarkt noted. Madrid won two of those games, drew one, and lost one.
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While Carlo Ancelotti has maintained that Benzema is actually injured, some have speculated that the player himself is saving himself from injury to play in the World Cup.
What did Guti say?
Club legend Guti recently criticized the player, saying that he was letting the team down by not playing. Guti added that many superstars were still competing for their clubs before the global tournament began.
The debate has now extended to Twitter, with fans having their say on the matter.
Here are some of their thoughts regarding Benzema’s absence.
@Shakurdrista:
"He has carried the club for 4 years. He has the right to miss a few games to win the trophy he didn't win."
@Lesane37559211:
"The club let itself down. They needed to buy a backup striker for two years now and failed to do so. They let Jovic and Bale leave, yet nobody came. "
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Football@_madricks_:
"I can understand the uproar over Benzema’s injuries and people thinking he’s faking it and all. Fine, let’s presume he is faking it. So what? You’re bashing the same guy who put off his finger surgery for over 2 years to be available for the club in its worst moments?"
@poundz8:
"If Guti is saying this, then it means there is some truth in the case that Benzema is faking injuries….this isn’t worthy of a Real Madrid Captain ."
Real Madrid legend Guti criticizes Karim Benzema for continued absences for Los Blancos before the World Cup
Karim Benzema is one of Real Madrid’s golden boys, but not everyone associated with the club is a fan.
The club have only won one game in their last four in all competitions, and one of the reasons is the absence of Benzema up front, Sports Brief reported.
As noted by The Real Champs, Benzema does not want to risk his place at the World Cup and is rather taking it easy at Madrid to avoid picking up any injuries before the tournament begins. Sports Brief earlier reported.