Real Madrid have been struggling in the league this season and they have been dealt another blow with the injury to the star striker Karim Benzema, who will be left out of the squad that will face Espanyol during the weekend. Real Madrid have fallen 11 points behind the leaders Barcelona in the la Liga table, which means that they have started focusing their attention on other cup competitions. Real Madrid have already won the Copa del Rey under the guidance of José Mourinho, but they will face an uphill task in the second leg of the last 16 round against Celta de Vigo after the 1-1 draw.
Even though the second leg is at the Santiago Bernabeu, the last-minute goal from Cristiano Ronaldo will prove to be extremely crucial in a tie. More than the match, the disappointment would be with the injury news for Karim Benzema. The Frenchman has been having a difficult time with injuries this season. This time, he has suffered an ankle injury in the second half. He suffered the injury under contract from no one and this leaves Real Madrid short of players up front for the coming league matches. They will face Espanyol during the weekend. Even though Espanyol are in a bad run of form, they will certainly pose a difficult proposition according to Mourinho.
“I think it was an ankle problem, but I have not thought about it yet. Varane was a champion because he got injured and stayed on the pitch. He did more injured than some who were not injured. He did his work as a centre-forward because he could not sprint and play as a defender. Leaving Morata out was my decision. That is why I am here, to make decisions. Sometimes they go well, sometimes badly,” said Mourinho.