Karim Benzema’s World Cup readiness has been questioned, but Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Real Madrid, has dispelled those claims.
The France international will represent the reigning champions in Qatar, although he will have little playing time because he last played on October 19 against Elche in a domestic match.
Benzema won’t play in Thursday’s match against Cadiz, Madrid’s final match before the Qatar 2022 World Cup, due to his ongoing fitness problems. Madrid will be aiming to bounce back from Monday’s shocking loss to Rayo Vallecano in this game.
Since Benzema’s recent absence has not raised any questions about his possible absence for France, it has been hypothesized that he may simply be resting to avoid injury before the tournament.
Ancelotti, though, disputed that assertion.
Carlo Ancelotti’s comment
Ancelotti on Wednesday’s press conference said: “It has bothered me that he has not been able to help us with his quality – he has tried but he has not been able to come back from this small thing, so he is not available.
“I don’t have to say anything to anyone. The first disappointed person is Karim, who arrives at the World Cup without the necessary minutes to be in good condition.
“To think that he has been rested, I do not believe it, it is silly. He has not stopped; he has trained alone, but the feelings he had were not good.
“It means he arrives at the World Cup with few minutes in his legs.”
Asked whether Benzema ever felt his World Cup involvement was in doubt, Ancelotti added: “No, apart from that big injury against Celtic, it’s been two small things.”
Despite having a game in hand, Madrid’s recent loss has left them five points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona. Ancelotti cited his team’s reduction in effort as the cause of this.
He added: “If you lower intensity against teams that do not play in Europe, such as Rayo, they can be at a higher level than the rest.
“It’s less noticeable when you’re playing against teams that do play in Europe.”
