Real Madrid's Karim Benzema a doubt for Man City Champions League tie because of injury
Thursday 28 April 2016 14:34, UK
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is a major doubt for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester City after it was confirmed the striker had picked up a hamstring injury in the first leg.
The Frenchman, 29, was forced to come off at half-time of the first-leg at the Etihad and scans have revealed he is suffering from a hamstring strain.
Madrid are already contemplating being without top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, who is out with a thigh injury, and is reportedly undergoing stem cell treatment in a bid to be fit to face City.
Benzema and Ronaldo have scored 74 goals between them this season and their absence will mean the pressure will be on Gareth Bale to produce a match-winning performance.
Real did not confirm how long the Frenchman will be sidelined, but he looks certain to miss Saturday's trip to Real Sociedad in La Liga (highlights on Sky Sports 3 from 9.30pm) in the hope that he can be fit for City's visit to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"Following tests carried out today on Karim Benzema in the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with a strained right hamstring," the club said in a statement on Thursday.
"His recovery will continue to be assessed."
La Liga Football
Watch highlights of Real Madrid's La Liga trip to Real Sociedad on Sky Sports 3 HD from 9.30pm on Saturday.
