Champion of Saudi Arabia with Laurent Blanc at his head, Al-Ittihad could not count on Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté during his first meeting of the Asian Champions League. Result of the races: Danilo Pereira, Fabinho, Houssem Aouar, Moussa Diaby and others bowed to Abu Dhabi against Al-Wahda (2-1), Monday. Not very glorious.
“KB9” filmed last weekend in full jogging, when he was the victim of an injury to one of the hamstring muscles (at the back of the thigh). It is rather reassuring concerning the physical state of the Ballon d'Or 2022, his coach having specified at the same time that his fellow captain suffered from nothing serious.
Benzema is however forfeited for a third meeting in a row, Saturday in Saudi Pro League, against Al-Najma (kick-off 5:40 p.m. in France). The meeting is not broadcast by the channels of Zack Nani, which broadcasts the shock between Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal on Friday and the meeting of Al-Nassr, the formation of Cristiano Ronaldo, against Al-Riyadh.
Benzema against Ronaldo?
As the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadh indicates, Benzema follows a recovery program in France. The Lyonnais has the opportunity to spend a few days in France, perhaps to find relatives, before hitting the road to Djeddah. Monitoring his bruised ischio will allow him to resume training gradually.
Laurent Blanc hopes to find his 37-year-old offensive leader (25 goals in 33 matches) for the al-Ittihad shock against Al-Nassr, for new reunions between Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, on September 26 at home.
