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

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema suffered what appeared to be a knee injury against Wolfsburg on April 6. However, he is now ready for competitive action.

Continue for updates.

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Benzema Returns vs. Wolfsburg

Tuesday, April 12

The French striker was named in Los Blancos' starting lineup for the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second-leg tie.

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Benzema Back on the Sidelines

Wednesday, April 6

News of the Blancos No. 9's injury came via the official Champions League Twitter account, which noted Benzema limped off, with Jese Rodriguez coming on as his replacement.

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Benzema Still Key to Madrid's Hopes

While Benzema is often overshadowed by the extraordinary attacking play of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, he has proved important to this setup down the years.

The Frenchman is a class act, boasting brilliant movement, excellent technique and a lot of composure in front of goal. However, he’s a player who does the fundamentals a little better than the aforementioned pair in terms of linking up with team-mates, running into the channels and hassling opposition defenders.

Here is a look at some of Benzema’s best moments from this season, which illustrate just how vital he is at the Santiago Bernabeu:

He’s the only natural senior centre-forward in the squad, too. Manager Zinedine Zidane could call upon Ronaldo to lead the line on his own, but the Portuguese is much more effective from the left flank or with a partner.

Benzema is the ideal target man for this team and a superb foil for Real’s other attacking superstars. So while there are goals aplenty in this side without him, when it comes to general play and an ability to attack with variety, Los Blancos are worse off without the Frenchman. Thankfully for Madrid fans, he is ready to play.