Real Madrid have confirmed that striker Karim Benzema has tested positive for Covid-19 and excludes him from their friendly with Rangers at Ibrox this weekend.
Benzema recently returned for pre-season training after participating in Euro 2020, where France’s dreams of adding a European Championship to their World Cup were stopped by Switzerland in the last 16.
It was a blow to the striker, but for Real it meant having him back in the squad nicely and early for the pre-season. He had been expected to play a part against Rangers, where Carlo Ancelotti is expected to put a strong team for the glamor friendliness.
But Real have confirmed that Benzema has tested positive for Covid and must now be isolated while his teammates travel to the UK.
A brief statement on their website reads: “Real Madrid CF announce that our player Karim Benzema has tested positive for COVID-19.”
Benzema has tested positive for Covid / Denis Doyle / Getty Images
Los Blancos should have Benzema back for their friendly match with AC Milan on August 8.
Real have not specified whether Benzema has been in close contact with other players, so as of now he is the only player who is forced to be isolated.
But it still comes as a big blow for Ancelotti as he looks to get his squad in shape for a new slope on La Liga’s title this season. He was one of their main characters in 2020/21, but even his 30 goals in all competitions could not get Real over the line in the title race because they gave the trophy to city rivals Atletico.
Benzema has scored 25 or more goals in each of the last three seasons and will play a key role when he returns to the squad.
