Liverpool will have to deal with Karim Benzema in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter on Tuesday after Carlo Ancelotti declared him fit to start for Real Madrid.
There had been doubt over whether Benzema would be available for the highly-anticipated clash at Anfield after missing Real’s 2-0 win over Osasuna in LaLiga on Saturday. Rodrygo started in place of the 35-year-old striker on the weekend, but it has since emerged that Ancelotti was only managing his minutes ahead of the crucial tie against Liverpool.
Benzema has struggled to stay fit all season and missed France’s World Cup campaign as a result. But when asked about his star striker in Monday’s pre-match press conference, Ancelotti allayed any doubts about his readiness. "I see Benzema looking well,” he said. “Tomorrow he will start."