Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has revealed that he is doing “everything in my power” to return for Wednesday’s trip to Paris Saint-Germain.
The France international picked up a hamstring injury during the international break, with a three-week layoff the prognosis, but he is confident that his recovery will enable him to come back quicker than scheduled for the Champions League showdown at Parc des Princes.
“I’m doing everything in my power to get back quicker,” he told Le Journal du Dimanche.
“It’ll be difficult to play that game on Wednesday in Paris, but I’ll work hard to make it, although I don’t want to force things.
“We know it’ll be difficult against them. PSG are now used to this type of match and their level in the Champions League has risen. Our objective is the same, finishing top of the group.
“[On his future], why would I want to go? I’m a starter for the best team in the world and I’m happy.
“[France] greatly underestimate me. When people talk about me, I get the impression they believe anyone could have done all that I’ve achieved with Madrid. They’re wrong.
“[PSG] can win the competition, as can we. They’re a team who are growing and approaching their best form.
“[The Champions League] is decided by small details like when we scored a goal from a corner one minute from time in the final.
“PSG have so far encountered stronger opponents than we [Lyon] did, but it’s good to have a French team disturbing the best teams in Europe.
“In 2006, Lyon also had a great team, but we lost to Milan by those little details that make the big teams big.”
