Credit: X
French striker Karim Benzema wasn't picked up for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad’s squad to face PFC Navbahor Namangan in the AFC Champions League . In a turbulent tenure in Saudi Arabia, Benzema's relationship with Al-Ittihad has grown sour ever since he left Real Madrid to play in the Middle East as part of a mass exodus in world football which kick-started in the 2023 January transfer window.
Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United to join Al-Nassr in a historic deal, several footballers have eyed the Saudi Pro League as a lucrative opportunity. But unlike CR7, this Middle Eastern adventure hasn't turned out to be fruitful for a lot with many struggling to cope with this lifestyle.
Why was Benzema dropped from Al-Ittihad's AFC Champions League squad?
Similarly, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner Benzema has enjoyed his stint with Al-Ittihad. Recently, he returned late to his team's Dubai training camp during the Saudi winter break after being stuck in Mauritius because of a storm. Amidst this animosity between the two parties, the Frenchman wasn't considered fit enough for the trip by coach Marcelo Gallardo, as reported by ESPN.
Karim Benzema will undoubtedly join the group: Gallardo
However, when Gallardo was asked about his choice, the Argentine manager deemed the call to be “purely technical.” Gallardo continued, “He is currently training alone, after joining the team several days ago. When he is physically and technically ready, he will undoubtedly join the group. This will most likely happen next week.”
