Real Madrid: Karim Benzema absent against Villarreal but “the feelings are good”, says Ancelotti

Karim Benzema, still embarrassed in his left leg, will be absent against Villarreal on Saturday (4:15 p.m.) for the 24th day of La Liga, but his coach Carlo Ancelotti claimed to have “good feelings“As for his presence against Paris SG in the round of 16 first leg of C1 on Tuesday.

“We have good feelings. He is still working individually, we are waiting for him to start working with the team again, he will do it on Sunday or Monday, and then we will make a decision. Until then, I can’t say anything. But everyone’s feelings, his, mine and the doctors’ are good“, reassured Ancelotti Friday in a pre-match press conference.

“The health of the players comes first. If we think that Karim can play, he will play, without any risk. If there is a slight risk (of relapse, editor’s note), he won’t play, because we don’t want to take that risk. And neither does the player. If Karim plays on Tuesday, there is no risk“, insisted the Italian technician.

The French centre-forward (34) came off touching the back of his left leg in the 58th minute of the LaLiga Matchday 22 game against Elche on January 23 and was replaced by the forward. Serbian center Luka Jovic. He hasn’t played since then, and is still in pain.

Another Frenchman in the return phase, Ferland Mendy. “He won’t be here tomorrow (Saturday, editor’s note), but I believe he will be able to play on Tuesday. He is doing well“, said “Carletto” Friday afternoon. “I hope Neymar and Benzema will be there, to have the most entertaining match possible“, wished Ancelotti.

On Saturday, Real Madrid travel to Villarreal to face the men of Unai Emery, 6th in the standings and in the fight to integrate the European places. The Merengues are leaders in La Liga with a provisional six-point lead over their runner-up, Sevilla FC, who host Elche on Friday evening (9:00 p.m.).