Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid captain, has been left out of Al Ittihad's squad for their upcoming AFC Champions League game against Navbahor. According to ESPN sources, the exclusion comes as a result of Benzema's strained relationship with his coach, Marcelo Gallardo.
Gallardo reportedly deemed Benzema unfit for the match after the French striker returned late to the team's Dubai training camp during the Saudi winter break. Due to a storm in Mauritius, Benzema was unable to join his teammates in a timely manner. However, the player himself insists that he is physically prepared and ready to play.
This decision from Gallardo comes after Benzema's absence in Al Ittihad's recent Saudi Pro League game against Al Tai, which they won 3-0. A disagreement between the coach and player about Benzema's participation in a training session prompted his exclusion from that match as well.
In AFC Champions League matches, teams are allowed to select only five foreign players. For the clash against Navbahor, Gallardo chose to include N'Golo Kanté, Fabinho, Ahmed Hegazi, Romarinho, and Abderrazak Hamdallah over Benzema.
Benzema, who joined Al Ittihad last summer as a free agent, has enjoyed success on the pitch, scoring 15 goals in 24 games across all competitions. However, the 36-year-old has apparently been disappointed with the quality of football in the Gulf nation.
Sources have revealed to ESPN that Benzema explored his options during the January transfer window. However, Al Ittihad refused to allow him to return to Europe and instead attempted to loan him to another Saudi club, which Benzema declined.
It remains to be seen how the situation between Benzema and Gallardo will develop in the coming weeks. The striker's absence from key matches could have significant implications for Al Ittihad's AFC Champions League campaign. Critics and fans alike will be eagerly watching to see if a resolution can be reached or if this conflict will continue to affect Benzema's playing time and future with the club.
