Madrid, Sep 30 (IANS) Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is a doubtful starter for his side’s away game against Espanyol in the Spanish La Liga football Sunday night.
The French forward was substituted in the second half of Real Madrid’s 3-0 home win against Ajax Tuesday, shortly after scoring the third goal of the game. Benzema had gone to ground with a groin injury.
He was not been able to train either Wednesday or Thursday and coach Jose Mourinho is unwilling to risk a player who has started the season in fine form, Xinhua reported.
Benzema’s injury is good news for Gonzalo Higuain, who has had to wait his opportunity due to the form of his companion. Higuain has been substitute at the start of the current campaign, but the Argentinean forward will get a chance to start at the Cornella-El Prat Stadium.
Higuain has already shown his talent this season, coming off the bench to score against Rayo Vallecano and Getafe.
Meanwhile, Angel de Maria has been suspended after being sent off against Rayo last weekend and his absence means Kaka will have another chance to show if his good performance against Ajax was a one off case or a sign that he is finally rediscovering the form that caused Real Madrid to pay 67 million euros to buy the Brazilian.
