Karim Benzema’s Struggle with Injuries Persists at Al-Ittihad

Karim Benzema’s Injury Woes Extend to Al-Ittihad Tenure

Karim Benzema’s transition from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad has not heralded an escape from his persistent injury troubles. The final season of his Real Madrid tenure was marked by challenges, and this trend has persisted into his new chapter in Saudi Arabia.

Benzema’s Divergent Seasons

The French striker’s journey over the past seasons has been a tale of two narratives. Following an exceptional 2021-22 campaign, which culminated in him securing his inaugural Ballon d’Or award, Benzema struggled to maintain his form in the subsequent 2022-23 season.

Numerous injuries and fitness setbacks hampered his performances during the latter period. The intensified fixture schedule, arising from the Qatar World Cup’s shifted timing to November/December, exacted a toll on players’ physical well-being. Benzema stood out as one of the individuals profoundly impacted by this demanding schedule.

Implications on Real Madrid and His Exit

His absence from many Real Madrid matches due to nagging injuries played a role in the club’s inability to defend their LaLiga and Champions League titles from the prior season.

Opting for a fresh start, Benzema bid farewell to Real Madrid and embraced a new adventure with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad. Despite the shift, his injury concerns have persisted. Reports from Diario AS indicate that an abductor injury compelled him to exit the field after 42 minutes during a recent match against Al Wehda.

Continued Injury Struggles

The reported abductor injury raises concerns over Benzema’s fitness, potentially sidelining the 35-year-old for several weeks. This predicament is far from ideal for both the player and his new club, Al-Ittihad, as they navigate the challenges of integrating him into their team while managing his physical condition.

As the football world watches with anticipation, Benzema’s quest for consistent fitness and his pursuit of excellence with Al-Ittihad remain ongoing narratives in his storied career.