Injury Boost for Real Madrid as Striker Karim Benzema is in Line Play against Wolfsburg

The former Lyon star picked up a problem in his knee in the early part of their Champions League quarter-final first-leg 2-0 defeat at Wolfsburg on Wednesday night after a collision with Naldo but there is reason to rejoice for Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, as reports in Spain claimed that the knee injury suffered by Karim Benzema was not as bad as first thought. Marca claims that the 28-year-old forward is expected to be rested for the La Liga game with Eibar on Saturday but will be available to return to action three days later for the crucial second-leg of the European tie.

Though the Frenchman continued in the game through the pain until the 40th minute of the when Zidane decided to replace him with academy forward Jese.

Zidane later explained his decision: "I asked Karim if he was ok. He told me he was and he therefore played on until he told me that he couldn't and I changed him." Earlier reports had indicated Benzema could be out of action for some weeks after revealing to journalists after the game that he had a major pain in his knee.

Marca and AS, however, claim the Real Madrid striker only suffered a minor knock and will be able to play next week against Wolfsburg. Zidane, is however not expected to risk him against Eibar so as to have him fully fit for the decisive Champions League encounter.