Injured Real Madrid star set to return for derby

Zidane’s men could welcome an important player back for the upcoming derby against city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Karim Benzema has moved one step closer to returning in time to face Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s derby clash.

The Real Madrid striker has missed the club’s last three games because of an adductor injury. He has since targeted a return for the Madrid derby, a game which Zinedine Zidane’s side cannot afford to lose to keep their LaLiga title defense alive.

And it seems Benzema is right on target, as he attended group training on Friday and reportedly felt ‘very positive’. Head coach Zidane will make a final decision on his availability after Saturday’s training session.

🚨🚨| Benzema trained WITH the group!! pic.twitter.com/BAdInIVRTs

— Madrid Xtra. (@MadridXtra) March 5, 2021

Benzema has spent most of his recovery period working apart from the team both outside and inside the club’s facilities.

Zidane, of course, will be very keen to welcome back his top-scorer to face Atletico. Despite claiming two wins and a draw in the three games Benzema has missed, Real Madrid haven’t scored more than a single goal across each match.

According to the club’s website, the injured Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard, Dani Carvajal, and Mariano Diaz worked on their respective recovery programs.