Real Madrid lose Benzema to injury

A hip injury will prevent the Frenchman from taking part in the first game of the campaign.

Injury will keep Karim Benzema out of first-team action for Real Madrid’s La Liga curtain-raiser against Real Sociedad, despite the Frenchman making positive steps towards recovery.

The Frenchman is targeting a gradual comeback, after missing out on Zinedine Zidane’s squad for the Trofeo Bernabeu match, as Los Blancos look to avoid the ex-Lyon forward aggravating a hip injury.

Given how close it is to the match against Real Sociedad, Benzema will miss out on even being chosen in the travelling squad.

Hip problems are a continuing issue for the player, who is slowly going through his treatment at the club with time working against him, as Real Madrid do not want to risk one of their star men.

Benzema is prioritising taking his time with his recovery, rather than rushing back to aggravate the problem once again as he did at the tail end of last season.

Similarly, Zidane is aware of the importance of the Frenchman for his forward line, but is prepared to wait in order to be able to unleash him at his very best.