Karim Benzema confirms chances of facing Barcelona after injury in Liverpool win
By Tom Gott
Karim Benzema has reassured Real Madrid fans that he will be fit to face Barcelona on Sunday despite being forced off injured in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Liverpool.
The veteran striker scored the only goal of the game with a little over ten minutes remaining but was seen limping during his celebration following a collision with Virgil van Dijk in the build-up to the goal.
Benzema was substituted just a few minutes later, sparking fears that he may have suffered yet another injury - he has already picked up eight separate issues this season and missed the weekend's victory over Espanyol with an ankle problem.
Fortunately, he does not seem to be worried about this latest knock and is confident he'll be ready to face Barcelona.
“It was just a real blow to my shin but that’s all it was, a knock," he told reporters after the game. "I’ll be fit for Sunday.”
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Manager Carlo Ancelotti was equally as calm when asked for an update on his star striker.
"It's a blow, nothing more. I hope there are no problems," the boss said.
Benzema's availability against Barcelona would be a massive boost to Real as they prepare for what will likely be their last chance to catch their Clasico rivals at the top of the La Liga standings.
Barcelona are nine points ahead in first place and boast a superior goal difference, so anything less than a victory would all but certainly end Real's already-slim hopes of winning the title this season.
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