Karim Benzema returns to Real Madrid; Saudi club Al-Ittihad issue statement

Karim Benzema has returned to his former club, Real Madrid, to undergo recovery from a recurring injury that has plagued his stay in Saudi Arabia this season. His current club Al Ittihad on Thursday (May 2) confirmed that the French star had indeed returned to the Los Blancos. 

Having joined the Saudi club as a free agent last summer after 14 years at Real Madrid, Benzema has struggled with muscular problems in his first Saudi Pro League season. It has now been revealed that he will be undergoing treatment at Real Madrid's Valdebebas training complex.

"Karim Benzema is undergoing further examinations in Real Madrid's clinic with his former doctor in Spain, who supervised his care in previous years," Al Ittihad said in a statement.

"The consultations were arranged between Ittihad's medical teams and Real Madrid regarding Benzema's injuries, which caused him to miss key matches this season. Benzema has already left for Spain and is expected to return next week," the statement further read.

The club has only five games remaining in the 2023-24 season and it needs to be seen if he will feature in any of those matches. 

Benzema's troubles

Benzema's stay in the kingdom has been rather tumultuous as Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked after the Al-Ittihad boss had a spat with the Frenchman in the dressing room. 

According to reports, Nuno's relationship with Benzema had reached "a point of no return", with the demands of Al-Ittihad's star signing clearly prioritised over the former Tottenham and Wolves boss.

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Benzema was the star signing for Al-Ittihad and despite having other top players such as N'Golo Kante, Jota and Fabinho in the squad, the kingdom has preferred to prioritise the five-time Champions League winner and his demands.  

As a Real Madrid player, Benzema won 25 trophies, equaling Marcelo as the most successful Real Madrid player in club history. His honour list includes four La Liga, three Copa del Rey, four European Super Cups, four Spanish Super Cups and five Club World Cups, in addition to the UCL titles. 

His tally of 354 goals in 648 games places him second on the list of Real Madrid's top goal-scorers.   

(With inputs from agencies)