Karim Benzema Injury: Updates on Real Madrid Striker's Status and Return

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema hobbled off with a hamstring injury during the April 26 match against Manchester City, but he is now fit to return to first-team action.

Continue for updates.

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Benzema Back vs. Valencia

Sunday, May 8

Madrid confirmed Benzema among their starting XI for the visit of Valencia to the Bernabeu.

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Frenchman the Focal Point of Real's Attack

While Real are able to call upon a number of glamorous attackers, Benzema has proven himself to be one of the most important players in the setup in recent seasons.

Here is a look at the kind of quality he can bring to the point of the attack:

The former Lyon man is selfless. Benzema works hard off the ball, makes runs that drag defenders out of position and is also willing to drop deeper to pick up the ball, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale bursting beyond.

Additionally, he’s a deadeye in front of goal, with 23 goals in La Liga action this term, according to WhoScored.com.

Most problematic for Zidane is the fact that Real do not have another natural centre-forward in the squad when Benzema is unavailable. For that reason, Zidane is always expected to utilise Benzema when he's fit.