Al-Ittihad have reportedly banished Karim Benzema from their Dubai training camp after the striker failed to show up for numerous club events.
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- Benzema missed pre-season presentation
- Also skipped several training sessions
- Now won't be invited to Dubai camp
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WHAT HAPPENED?
According to , the French forward had until Friday to present himself at the club's facilities in Jeddah as they resume training after a prolonged break period. However, Benzema reportedly never arrived, leaving Ittihad manager Marcelo Gallardo to make the tough decision to eliminate him from their travelling squad to Dubai.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The same report reveals this isn't the first example of Benzema's negligence at club events. The Frenchman reportedly missed three training sessions in Jeddah at the end of 2023, before the allotted holiday period for the Saudi Pro League side. his spats with previous manager Nuno Espirito Santo were also well documented, which eventually led to the Portuguese's sacking back in November. He is now back in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest.
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DID YOU KNOW?
There is reportedly feeling in the Middle East that the Ballon d'Or winner isn't living up to expectations. Benzema was particularly berated for his performance against Al-Nassr and former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo on Boxing Day. Ittihad lost 5-2 with Ronaldo bagging two goals, while Benzema failed to score. The Frenchman then appeared to delete his Instagram account after widespread criticism.
- Getty
WHAT NEXT FOR BENZEMA?
Recent events may arouse uncertainty over the future of the 36-year-old, with storied European clubs currently in the market for a quick-fix solution up front. In the short term, though, Benzema will not be eligible to take part in the Dubai training camp as his absence meant he was never officially registered.
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