Zidane ‘concerned’ by Madrid injuries

Zinedine Zidane admits he is “concerned” by Real Madrid’s injuries ahead of Real Sociedad on Saturday but will not be drawn into reports of medical discord.

Karim Benzema, who will miss the trip to Anoeta this weekend, posted a photo of himself with Juan Muro, Madrid’s former physio, to add to speculation that Los Blancos’ players dislike the medical regime of Jesus Olmo, but Zidane refused to comment on the controversy.

“He had a different problem [against Manchester City than to his recent knee injury], but the most important thing is that it’s under control,” Zidane said at a Press conference.

“Ultimately, he’ll try to recover as quickly as possible so he can play on Wednesday.

“He won’t play [on Saturday]. He’ll try to be at his best for City. Hopefully he plays.

“I’m concerned every time there’s an injury. It’s difficult, but now the most important thing is that [Ronaldo and Benzema] make full recoveries.

“We can’t take risks with them or anyone. The idea is for them to return as soon as possible.

“[Their recoveries] are agreed with the club. Everyone who works at this club tries to carry out their duties properly.

“My concern is tomorrow’s game, so I won’t get into these things.

“I won’t talk more about this issue. We have a game [on Saturday] and that’s the most important thing for me.

“I don’t think it’s a risk to play [Gareth] Bale. Normally he would.

“There’s no Karim and Cristiano, but the others are and ready to play. We’ll put out the team with the best chance of winning.

“I want [Ronaldo and Benzema] to play [against City] with zero risk. I don’t want to risk anything.

“I’d like to say they’re both at 100 percent, but I can’t. Others will play [on Saturday].

“It’s an important game because it’s always better to enter a Wednesday with a win.

“The fans are also thinking about this game. The fans will follow us, even though the game is away, and they want to see Madrid win.

“[Ronaldo] is strong enough to play every game. He’s done it for years, but he knows to rest well when there aren’t any games.

“He recovers very quickly. Maybe for others, it’s more difficult, including myself. Each player recovers in their own way.

“[On Isco and James Rodriguez], all my players are important. I give importance to all my players by playing them more and playing them less.

“Isco and James are two important players on the team. I’m aware that they are players who can play more, but I give them the same importance as others.

“They are ready [for Saturday] and have trained very well. It’s true that many things have been said, but when they play, they do well and that’s the most important thing for a Coach.

“Jese [Rodriguez] is fine. It just a blow he took in Manchester. He had no discomfort [in training on Friday] and is ready, as are the others.”

Tags Cristiano Ronaldo injury Karim Benzema Zinedine Zidane
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