Bad news for Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez: both Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have gone down with injuries.
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Ahead of the Audi Cup in Germany -- a preseason tournament including Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan and Real -- both superstars were injured in training and will miss the showpiece friendlies at the Allianz Arena over the coming days.
Real confirmed on Monday that Ronaldo hurt his back in training on Monday, while Benzema (who has been widely linked with a move to Arsenal) has pulled a muscle in his right thigh.
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So those looking forward to seeing Ronaldo and Benzema in action against Tottenham on Tuesday and either Milan or Bayern on Wednesday will be sorely disappointed, as the duo were left off Real’s Audi Cup squad.
With just under three weeks until Real kicks off their La Liga season against newly-promoted Sporting Gijon on Aug. 23, both Ronaldo and Benzema will be given plenty of time to recuperate from these training ground injuries.
Speculation has been rife this summer that Ronaldo was not happy with the firing of former boss Carlo Ancelotti and videos have shown some disdain towards his successor Mr. Benitez, while it seems like every single day a new report claims that Benzema is on his way to Arsenal.
These injuries are more than likely legit, but is there trouble brewing behind-the-scenes at Real regarding two of its most important players? After the summer of upheaval following Ancelotti’s departure, club legend Iker Casillas leaving for FC Porto and the Sergio Ramos saga, it seems like Benitez may have a very difficult job on his hands to galvanize Los Blancos to try and beat Barcelona to the La Liga crown and challenge them in Europe this season.
Then again, if Ronaldo, Benzema and Gareth Bale are healthy and happy, you’ll always have a chance.