As reported by Marca, the French striker was required to report to the team’s facilities in Jeddah by Friday as they resumed training following an extended break. However, Benzema, as per reports, did not show up, prompting Ittihad manager Marcelo Gallardo to make the difficult decision of excluding him from the travelling squad to Dubai.
This incident is not the first instance of Benzema’s disregard for club commitments, according to the same report. In late 2023, he allegedly missed three training sessions in Jeddah before the designated holiday period for the Saudi Pro League side. His strained relationship with former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, which contributed to Santo’s dismissal in November, was also highlighted. Santo has since joined Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Concerns in the Middle East are growing about the Ballon d’Or winner falling short of expectations. Benzema faced criticism for his performance against Al-Nassr and former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo on Boxing Day, where Ittihad suffered a 5-2 defeat, with Ronaldo scoring twice and Benzema failing to find the net. Following widespread criticism, Benzema seemingly deleted his Instagram account.
These recent developments raise doubts about the 36-year-old’s future, especially with prominent European clubs seeking immediate solutions in the forward position. In the short term, Benzema won’t be eligible for participation in the Dubai training camp, as his absence prevented his official registration.
Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema
FranceThis season he played in total 15 times for 1212 minutes for Pro League.
Karim Benzema scored 9 goals for Al Ittihad. He procured 4 assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 7th in Pro League. In the last match Al Ittihad lost 5-2 against Al Nassr. The next match in Pro League will be against Al Tai.
Al Ittihad performance and stats
Al Ittihad is currently 7th in the Pro League with 28 points.
In the last 18 games, it has won 8 times, drawn 4 times, and lost 6 times. In its last match, Al Ittihad lost 2-5 against Al Nassr.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 34 goals and conceding 26.
Al Ittihad will play the next match in Pro League against Al Tai on Saturday 30th of December in Hail. The prediction is Al Ittihad winning the match.
