Real Madrid: Benzema a major doubt for Inter Milan trip
The French striker trained apart, exercising in the gym and out on the pitch. Casemiro and Militao must undergo new PCR tests.
The way things are looking, Real Madrid will be without Karim Benzema for Wednesday's meeting with Inter Milan in San Siro. Benzema trained apart from the squad on Monday, alternating between the gym and the practice pitches, completing a few ball exercises but not with his team mates. Unless he is miraculously able to return to training tomorrow, he will not enter the squad list for the trip to Milan, which would leave Zidane once again with just one striker to lead the attack: Mariano Díaz.
Benzema was unable to complete the final league game before the international break against Valencia at Mestalla, quitting the field on 75 minutes with pains to his left adductor. The club ran tests but didn't issue a medical report - it is not clear whether that was down to a decision made by the club or the player. He was unavailable for Saturday's away game at Villarreal and looks like he will miss this week's game against Milan. Madrid are already without Jovic, who tested positive for Covid-19 on his return to Spain after being with the Serbia squad. That leaves Madrid with just Mariano (who scored against Villarreal and has excellent figures despite having limited playing time) for a game which could have serious implications as to whether Zidane's team make it past the group stage of the Champions League. Defeat on Wednesday could be fatal.
No Militao or Casemiro
Neither Militão nor Casemiro were able to train with the group today. Both are believed to have overcome their respective Covid-19 infections but the test before the Villarreal game were inconclusive. Both underwent new PCR tests this morning but the results will take 8-10 hours so they remain in self-isolation.
Odriozola was seen out on the pitch, but exercising apart which is a new development in his recovery. He was due to make his return a few weeks ago but suffered a relapse. Inside the training facilities in Valdebebas, Sergio Ramos and Fede Valverde both continue their own, specific recovery programmes.