Karim Benzema Fails To Show up For Training Camp, Gets Dropped By Gallardo For Dubai Trip
Karim Benzema’s woes at Al Ittihad seem to compound only with each passing week. Having arrived as the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Al Ittihad expected big things from the Frenchman. However, they have not seen the best of him with injury problems and conflicts with multiple managers limiting his appearances.
Benzema was expected to attend training camp on Friday, January 12th, but failed to do so. This left Marcelo Gallardo with little recourse but to remove his name from the squad list of players expected to travel to Dubai.
Under the former manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, Benzema didn’t have a smooth experience either. The pair reportedly fell out, with the Portuguese gaffer opining that signing Benzema was not his choice, and he felt the Frenchman didn’t fit his tactical plans.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, this is not the first time Benzema has missed to show up for training. He reportedly missed three training sessions before the end of 2023. The French forward is believed to be away from the team without official permission from the coach or the club.
With a lack of preparation to gain match fitness due to missing the Dubai trip, Benzema will be struggling to get to the same levels as his teammates. How this affects his performances for the season’s remaining games remains to be seen.
