- Title: Benzema is fit and will play against Atletico, says Real's Ancelotti
- Date: 11th December 2021
- Summary: MADRID SPAIN (DECEMBER 11, 2021) (REUTERS) ATLETICO MADRID ON PITCH ATLETICO DE MADRID'S COACH DIEGO SIMEONE AT TRAINING SESSION VARIOUS OF PLAYERS TRAINING
- Embargoed: 25th December 2021 16:02
- Keywords: Ancelotti Atletico Madrid Benzema La Liga Real Madrid Simeone derby
- Location: MADRID, SPAIN
- City: MADRID, SPAIN
- Country: Spain
- Topics: Europe,Soccer,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA002F7LF51B
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has recovered from a leg injury and will be available for Sunday's (December 12) Liga derby at home to Atletico Madrid, manager Carlo Ancelotti has said.
"Benzema trained well with his team mates and will play." Ancelotti told a news conference on Saturday (December 11).
Real are currently cruising in top spot, eight points clear of second-placed Sevilla and 10 above Atletico in fourth, albeit having played a game more than those two rivals.
The Italian expects a close match as his team look for a 10th straight win in all competitions to tighten their grip on top spot by beating last year's champions.
"Atletico are a very strong rival. It is a very, very difficult game for both teams. I think it is going to be a good match, that the fans of both will love."
Atletico coach Diego Simeone agreed.
"They (Real) are in a great moment. They have shown with the arrival of Ancelotti a defensive power that enhances all their offensive weapons." he told a news conference.
(Production: Michael Gore) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2021. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None