Karim Benzema Receives Five Stitches After a Vicious Stamp Against Rayo

• Karim Benzema was seen limping and complaining of foot pain during a game
• He is five goals behind Robert Lewandowski in the hunt for the Pichichi Award
• The forward has now hit the 30-goal mark for the fourth time in five seasons

Real Madrid's talismanic forward, Karim Benzema, displayed a gruesome cut on his foot that required stitches after Wednesday's 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.

The Frenchman, who picked up the Ballon d'Or award earlier this season after being voted the best player in the world in 2022, shared a video of the afflicted area being sewn up after the match, which saw Real players wear no. 20 shirts prior to kick-off.

A painful-looking gash can be seen below the third and fourth toes of the striker's right foot following the La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano.

It is thought the injury came after a challenge early in the game with just 10 minutes on the clock, after an opposing player stamped on his foot.

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Following the hefty challenge, Benzema was seen frequently limping and complaining throughout the game, although he turned down the opportunity of a substitution, preferring to grit his teeth and continue.

Not even the injury could stop the prolific Frenchman from getting on the scoresheet, with Benz netting in the 31st minute of the encounter.

He played a neat one-two with Federico Valverde before arcing in behind the Vallecano defence to receive the ball.

Benzema then drew out Stole Dimitrievski, took the ball around the advancing Macedonian and fired home into the empty net to make it 1-0. As reported by Marca, the goal was his 30th of the season.

A leveller from former Real Madrid man, Raul de Tomas looked to shape the game for a draw in the 84th minute before Rodrygo rescued all three points for the hosts in the 89th minute with a curling effort into the bottom right corner from outside the penalty area.

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It remains to be seen whether Benzema's involvement in the side will continue after suffering the potentially debilitating injury.

Real Madrid battle for second

Real Madrid are unable to win any further honours this season and as such, are no longer fighting for any silverware. Despite this, their second-place status is at risk.

Rivals, Atletico Madrid are breathing down their necks in the hunt for the silver medal spot, just a point behind them.

There are just two more games to be played for the Madrid rivals, and having already lost their Champions League and La Liga crowns, Carlo Ancelotti will be keen for his side to at least best their cross-town rivals.

Looking ahead of the new season, Real Madrid have been linked to a couple of players who could help strengthen an ageing squad including English midfielder, Jude Bellingham, as reported by Goal.

It remains to be seen if Los Blancos will get the deal for the Borussia Dortmund youngster over the line.

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Benzema laments Ballon d'Or criteria

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Real Madrid forward, Benzema had expressed his disappointment regarding the recent subjective criteria employed in selecting the season's best player.

The Frenchman, who claimed the coveted individual accolade following an outstanding season last year, suggested the current format of award schemes primarily emphasizes goals over other contributions.

It remains to be seen if the Ballon d’Or awarding committee will look to tweak the criteria required to clinch the award or if the winner will once again be whoever finds the back of the net most.