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Mitchell Wilks

Karim Benzema forced off injured for Real Madrid in win over Valencia

K. Benzema
Real Madrid vs Valencia
Real Madrid
LaLiga

Karim Benzema was substituted with an injury an hour into Real Madrid's clash with Valencia.

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  • Benzema injured again
  • Missed bulk of action pre-World Cup
  • Headed straight down tunnel after substitution

WHAT HAPPENED? Just as he was finding a groove of consistency after a disrupted start to the 2022-23 season, the problems returned for Benzema who was substituted off an hour into Real Madrid's 2-0 win at home against Valencia.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner appeared to tweak something when unleashing a shot at Giorgi Mamardashvili's goal, bringing his night to a premature end after assisting both Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior's goals. Benzema reached for the back of his leg and was then substituted off for Rodrygo. Since the full-time whistle, it has emerged via Sergio Quirante of DAZN that Benzema felt an issue in his right thigh, with a proper assessment of the injury expected tomorrow. However, head coach Carlo Ancelotti wasn't too concerned.

AND WHAT'S MORE: Speaking to reporters after the game, the coach explained: “It seems that Militao is not going to make it for Sunday. The Benzema thing seems milder, as a precaution. It is what happens when you play every three days without time to recover."

Any potential injury to the 35-year-old would be huge blow for Carlo Ancelotti, while losing Eder Militao to an injury earlier on in the same game presents him with even more of a problem. Benzema has nine goals in La Liga this season, but his availability proved a serious problem for Los Blancos before the World Cup, which he also missed out on.

IN TWO PHOTOS:

Next matches
SAN

SAN

LaLiga

01 Nov 2026

RMA

RMA

Karim Benzema injury CelticGetty Images
Carlo Ancelotti Real Madrid 2022-23Getty Images

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID? Both the Frenchman and his manager will hope that whatever he felt tweak in his leg isn't anything too serious. A win on the night is huge for Real in staying just five points behind league leaders Barcelona, but they also have a Champions League last 16 tie with Liverpool coming up this month and need their stars to be fit.

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