BREAKING: Benzema out against Valladolid, questionable for Atalanta

Real Madrid will be without striker Karim Benzema when they face Real Valladolid this Saturday and the attacker could need to miss next week’s clash against Atalanta in the first leg of the Champions League’s Round of 16, according to reports published on the Spanish press today right after Benzema had to miss today’s training session with an injury.

Coach Zinedine Zidane himself said during his press conference that Benzema “has something,” adding that the attacker “won’t be with the team tomorrow,” and that they will know his status for Wednesday’s European match on Sunday morning, after Benzema gets some tests.

Benzema is the undisputed leader of Madrid’s offensive line, so this is devastating news for Los Blancos, who will be without Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal as well. Backup striker Mariano Diaz will now be expected to start in Benzema’s spot as the center forward, with Asensio and Vinicius on the flanks.