- French striker nursing a knock
- Missed semi-final win over Al Ahly
- Al-Hilal next up with silverware on the line
WHAT HAPPENED? The Blancos put themselves in contention for a global crown when seeing off Al Ahly at the semi-final stage, with a 4-1 victory secured there without Ballon d’Or winner Benzema being available. Real are now set to face Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup final on Saturday, with it possible that their talismanic French striker will have recovered from a slight knock in time to figure in that contest.
WHAT THEY SAID: Ancelotti told reporters when asked for a fitness update on Benzema and Brazilian defender Eder Militao: “They're not fully recovered yet. Karim is doing quite well but there are more doubts about Militao. They will train on Friday and we will see.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The Real boss added on a couple of other senior stars that missed out on the win over Al Ahly: “[Dani] Carvajal will return, he had a fever today. So will [Marco] Asensio, who had a muscle overload.”
IN THREE PHOTOS:
(C)Getty images
(C)Getty Images
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT? Champions League holders Real last won the Club World Cup back in 2018 and will be determined to add to their ever-growing trophy collection when facing Saudi Arabian opposition at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Morocco.