Injured Karim Benzema makes sensational return to Real Madrid

Karim Benzema has struggled to stay fit this season, missing a number of fixtures throughout his debut campaign because of muscle problems.

The French international also missed Al Ittihad’s 3-1 defeat to Al Shabab last week but will now undergo treatment in Spain.

“Karim Benzema is undergoing further examinations in Real Madrid’s clinic with his former doctor in Spain, who supervised his care in previous years,” Al Ittihad said in a statement.

“The consultations were arranged between Ittihad’s medical teams and Real Madrid regarding Benzema’s injuries, which caused him to miss key matches this season. Benzema has already left for Spain and is expected to return next week.”

Despite moving to Saudi Arabia as a Balloon d’Or winner, Benzema has failed to impress with his new team.

This year, Benzema has bagged 13 goals and added a further eight assists in 29 games for Al Ittihad, who find themselves fifth in the Saudi Pro League, a whopping 30 points adrift of leaders Al Hilal.

Benzema’s current deal with Al Ittihad runs until 2026. With Real Madrid, the Frenchman scored 354 goals in 648 games across a 14-year spell which also saw him lift four La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues.