Benzema in doubt for Copa clash

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is in doubt for Tuesday’s Copa del Rey clash after picking up a knock in the 5-1 rout of Granada on Saturday.

Benzema struck twice in the 5-1 demolition of Granada at the Bernabeu, but was replaced just eight minutes into the second half, sparking fears that he might not be fit for the midweek trip to face Malaga, where Real must defend a 3-2 advantage from the first leg.

Assistant coach Aitor Karanka said Benzema was withdrawn as a precaution against Granada, but confirmed he was no certainty to line-up against Malaga.

“It seems it’s nothing serious,” Karanka told AS. “He took a knock during the first half and was replaced as a precaution.”

However, when pressed on whether Benzema would be fit for the crucial second-leg showdown with Malaga, Karanka would only add: “Let’s see what the medics say.”

Jose Mourinho’s right-hand man, who was taking the post-game press conference because the Portuguese had to depart immediately after the full-time whistle to tend to a “family problem”, hopes Benzema will be available for selection, given the former Lyon ace had performed well in tandem with fellow forward Gonzalo Higuain.

“They have played a lot of the game together and it is clear that the two are very dangerous together,” he said.

Karanka insisted it would be a mistake to read too much into Cristiano Ronaldo’s refusal to celebrate his goal against Granada, with the Portuguese ace having seemingly been irked by some whistles from the stands.

“A professional like Cristiano made a gesture of anger with himself because things were not coming off for him,” Karanka said.

“It was borne of his desire to score. He had chances but could not score. So he was still angry with himself when he finally did.”