Benzema to miss Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey clash with Athletic Bilbao
Due to a hamstring injury, Karim Benzema has been left out of Real Madrid’s squad for the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao.
The France international’s fitness has been a source of concern since he hobbled off in the second half of Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Elche in LaLiga on January 23.
During his pre-match news conference, Carlo Ancelotti was hopeful the striker would be fit for the trip to San Mames.
This season, he has been in sensational form with 24 goals in 28 games in all competitions.
But Ancelotti insisted no risks would be taken. Benzema’s name was not in the 22-man squad for the match against Athletic Bilbao, released later on Wednesday.
This prompted concerns about his fitness for the UEFA Champions League last-16 meeting with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in less than two weeks.
Mariano Diaz and Ferland Mendy also miss out through injury, while Marcelo is ineligible due to suspension.
However, Marco Asensio could return from a hamstring injury sustained in the Supercopa de Espana success against FC Barcelona.
(dpa/NAN)
More from Peoples Gazette
Economy
Buhari regime will continue to borrow without subsidy removal: Femi Adesina
“You know how much could have been saved if the subsidy was removed and how it could have been diverted to other areas and spheres of national life.
Faith
Infidelity: We are all sinners; save your critical comments for yourself, Sammie Okposo hits critics
“If you have ever committed a sin in your life you have no moral justification or capacity to judge me.”
Showbiz
Nollywood actor Tafa Oloyede to be buried February 11
The association is expected to organise ‘Artist Day’ in honour of the deceased on February 10 at his home town, Ede, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Heading 3
EXCLUSIVE: Despite denials, bank documents link Osinbajo’s SimmonsCooper to Tinubu’s money laundering venture
“What these latest revelations tell us is that both Tinubu and Osinbajo are two peas in a pod,” an anti-corruption campaigner said.
Economy
Oil vessel explodes off Nigerian coast
“The cause of the explosion is currently being investigated and we are working with necessary parties to contain the situation.”
States
Two security guards at Sulfulk Fabrication murdered
The police command in Akwa Ibom has confirmed the killing of two security guards working at Sulfuk Nigeria Ltd. Fabrication yard along Terminal Road.
World
NASA to crash International Space Station into Pacific Ocean
The space station was first launched in 2000 and has orbited 227 nautical miles above Earth, hosting over 200 astronauts from 19 different countries aboard.
