Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and 4 More Reportedly to Miss Real Madrid vs. Levante
Real Madrid face an injury crisis ahead of their home match against Levante on Saturday, with six key stars ruled out of new boss Rafael Benitez's plans, including Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.
Ruben Jimenez of Marca said the pair are joined by Sergio Ramos, Pepe, James Rodriguez and Dani Carvajal on the sidelines, with Benitez desperately reviewing his options before the Bernabeu clash.
However, the Los Blancos coach should have Danilo back to ease the burden, with Brazilian international Casemiro in line to deputise for Modric, according to Jimenez.
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Jimenez speculated on what the Madrid manager might do for the tie, saying: "Benitez will have to do some thinking. He might go for a 4-4-2 with Isco and Kovacic in midfield. Or he could go for Jese as the 'number nine' and vary his usual style a bit less. Up front it will be Ronaldo and Bale, who will be together again in the starting eleven after one month."
The loss of Benzema is a sizeable blow to Madrid, with the mercurial French striker starting the season in prolific form.
The 27-year-old has six goals in as many La Liga matches, per WhoScored.com, scoring in the team's 1-1 draw against bitter local rivals, Atletico Madrid, at the Vicente Calderon Stadium before the international break.
Despite his scoring exploits, Benzema has been continually substituted by the manager, and the player told AS (h/t Simeon Gholam of Mail Online) he is not pleased: "It's true I'm fed up of being taken off. It's true that the electronic board always shows the No 9. Ask Benitez why that is."
Madrid should temporarily cope without Benzema, with Ronaldo moving to the striker's role, but the French player offers balance and allows CR7 to do his best work from a wider berth.
However, the loss of Modric could be Real's biggest issue, with the Croatian midfielder giving Madrid the coverage they require to allow the team's attacking contingent to do their best work.
Benitez has the squad to cover the current injury crisis, but as he looks for consistency from his ranks, the loss of these six players will stretch his tactical options, even against a poor Levante side.
