How long is Karim Benzema going to be out of action for?
The France international will undergo an MRI scan today to find out the real extent of the injury he picked up against Elche on Sunday.
Karim Benzema had a difficult Sunday. It started off with a missed penalty in the first half against Elche at the Santiago Bernabéu. Things went from bad to worse soon after. He went off injured and when he got home he discovered that his house in Madrid has been burgled.
Benzema set for scan
The Frenchman felt discomfort during the second half and asked Carlo Ancelotti to be substituted, aware that aggravating a muscular issue at this stage of the season is quite the risk. The initial scans have been optimistic regarding the length of time he will be out. Benzema will have an MRI scan today and this is when the real extent of the injury will be revealed. Once the results are back, his return to action can be mapped out.
Key game against PSG
Madrid want their key forward to be available for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against PSG on 15 February. An earlier return is also likely. If the early predictions are confirmed, he could even be back against Athletic Club for the quarter-final of the Copa del Rey on 3 February.
Benzema has already started working to speed up his recovery. Yesterday was his day off, but he spent more than three hours with the club's physios. His 24 goals and nine assists in 28 games for Los Blancos this season underlines the striker's importance to the team.