Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid captain, has been left out of Al Ittihad's squad for their upcoming AFC Champions League game against Navbahor. According to ESPN sources, the exclusion comes as a result of Benzema's strained relationship with his coach, Marcelo Gallardo.
Gallardo reportedly deemed Benzema unfit for the match after the French striker returned late to the team's Dubai training camp during the Saudi winter break. Due to a storm in Mauritius, Benzema was unable to join his teammates in a timely manner. However, the player himself insists that he is physically prepared and ready to play.
