When will Karim Benzema be fit to play for Real Madrid?

Things are looking up for Karim Benzema, at least on a personal level. The French forward has jetted off for a few days of rest and recuperation on the French island of Réunion, which lies in the middle of the Indian Ocean, 700 kilometres from the eastern coast of Madagascar. The Real Madrid striker is steadily stepping up his recovery from injury and everything points to Los Blancos being able to call upon his services in their first game back after the World Cup, a match at Real Valladolid on 30 December.

There had been speculation in the last few days that Benzema could link back up with the France roster in Qatar, given that head coach Didier Deschamps didn’t call up a replacement for him and he remains one of the 26 registered players. Benzema tore a muscle in his thigh in training on 19 November, which is expected to keep him out of action for a total of three weeks.

With Benzema being quickly ruled out of the tournament, Deschamps had the opportunity to replace him on his roster but chose not to, fuelling rumours that he may look to bring the Ballon d’Or winner back in later in the knockout stages. But Deschamps appeared to rule that out when asked in a press conference on Tuesday: “I spoke with Benzema after he left the camp. After that, I don’t know what you’re trying to tell me with that question. I’m in charge of the 24 that are here, nobody else.”

Carlo Ancelotti signs off on Karim Benzema’s holiday

Upon leaving Qatar, Benzema immediately travelled back to Madrid to be checked over by Los Blancos’ medical staff and has spent a week doing recovery work at Valdebabas under the supervision of club doctors and physios. With the attacker having made good progress, his request to head off to La Réunion hasn’t been met with any resistance from Madrid. In any case, having been a part of pre-France’s World Cup training camp, Benzema was always going to be given some time off, as are the other members of the roster who have gone to Qatar.

While players who aren’t involved in the World Cup will return to training on Thursday, no date has been set for Benzema’s return. Manager Carlo Ancelotti signed off on his striker’s time off, given that there is plenty of time for the Frenchman to return to full fitness before the game against Valladolid. Considering the distance travelled, the most likely scenario is that Benzema will be back in Madrid next week, although some within the club believe it could even be earlier.