The blow of injuries continues to disrupt the Real Madrid season. Today (Monday) the Blancos announced their squad for the first game of the Champions League quarter-final against Atalanta on Wednesday, and Kerim Benzema, as expected, was not included.
As you may recall, the striker felt uncomfortable after facing Valence last week, and as a result he did not play against Valladolid on Saturday. The Frenchman reportedly suffered a minor tear in his hip, and has joined a long list that includes nine injured in the Spanish champions.
The other players to be missed against Atlanta: Sergio Ramos, Adar Militau, Marcelo, Danny Carvajal, Alvaro Odriosola, Pada Valvareda, Eden Hazard, Rodrigo. As a result, Real’s squad will contain only 11 fielders from the senior team, with players from the reserve team completing the squad.
It will be interesting to see how Zinedine Zidane manages without his outstanding scorer, who has so far allowed 17 goals in all competitions this season in 28 appearances, along with 5 assists. Before the game against Valladolid, the coach referred to the severe injury blow at the club: “It’s part of the game. We try to avoid it but but many factors affect it.”
Son There are 19 players invited to the party 🆚 @Atalanta_BC! #UCL pic.twitter.com/3Sjbem33rL
– Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) February 22, 2021