Karim Benzema, the Ballon d’Or winner this year, and Luka Modric, the winner last year, won’t be playing for Real Madrid in this week’s Champions League match in Leipzig, coach Carlo Ancelotti announced at a press conference on Monday.
Benzema is having trouble with his left thigh, while Modric seems to be in pain with his adductor.
Ancelotti did not want to risk losing either of them for longer by playing them on Tuesday, as neither is considered serious. Real is already qualified for the knockout stage.
“For Karim and Luka, these are only small physical glitches, but we don’t want to take any risks,” said Ancelotti.
“I prefer to lose Modric or Benzema for a match rather than for a month.”
Real Madrid will also be without Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde for their next match. Valverde bruised his leg in the 3-1 win over Sevilla at the weekend, which kept Madrid three points clear at the top of La Liga.
“It’s a very intense moment in the season, with too many matches, in my opinion,” said Ancelotti who will also be without Dani Ceballos and Mariano for the trip to Germany.
“We are holding on, even if we have some absentees.”
Ancelotti confirmed that Vinicius Junior will start up front, probably alongside fellow Brazilian Rodrygo.
