Al-Ittihad furious with Karim Benzema and set to axe striker from Dubai training camp after skipping sessions with Saudi Pro League side

According to Marca, the French forward had until Friday to present himself at the club's facilities in Jeddah as they resume training after a prolonged break period. However, Benzema reportedly never arrived, leaving Ittihad manager Marcelo Gallardo to make the tough decision to eliminate him from their travelling squad to Dubai.

The same report reveals this isn't the first example of Benzema's negligence at club events. The Frenchman reportedly missed three training sessions in Jeddah at the end of 2023, before the allotted holiday period for the Saudi Pro League side. his spats with previous manager Nuno Espirito Santo were also well documented, which eventually led to the Portuguese's sacking back in November. He is now back in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest.

There is reportedly feeling in the Middle East that the Ballon d'Or winner isn't living up to expectations. Benzema was particularly berated for his performance against Al-Nassr and former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo on Boxing Day. Ittihad lost 5-2 with Ronaldo bagging two goals, while Benzema failed to score. The Frenchman then appeared to delete his Instagram account after widespread criticism.

Recent events may arouse uncertainty over the future of the 36-year-old, with storied European clubs currently in the market for a quick-fix solution up front. In the short term, though, Benzema will not be eligible to take part in the Dubai training camp as his absence meant he was never officially registered.