Real Madrid

Benzema Ready to play for Real Madrid in Club World Cup final

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Karim Benzema and Eder Militao will train with Real Madrid on Friday ahead of the Club World Cup final against Al-Hilal.

Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful Karim Benzema will be fit to feature for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup final.

Last year’s Ballon d’Or winner Benzema did not travel to the tournament in Morocco earlier this week after suffering a hamstring injury.

But Ancelotti confirmed the 35-year-old will travel to train with his team-mates on Friday after Madrid beat Al Ahly 4-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final.

Benzema will be joined by Eder Militao, although Ancelotti – who confirmed that Marco Asensio and Dani Carvajal remained on the bench against Al Ahly due to fitness issues – has more doubts about the defender’s possible contention for Saturday’s clash with Al-Hilal.

“They are not fully recovered,” Ancelotti told reporters of Benzema and Militao.

“Karim is doing quite well and there are more doubts about Militao.

“They will train on Friday and then see each other.

“Carvajal had a fever and Asensio a bit overworked. I think he will be ready for Saturday.”

Madrid are going for a record fifth Club World Cup title, with their first success coming under Ancelotti in Morocco in December 2014.

“Prepare well, give clear instructions to the players and implement a good strategy,” Ancelotti answered when asked how he managed the preparations for the mini-tournament.

“And then it’s a certainty that we have players who handle that type of pressure very well.”

Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal stunned Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo 3-2 on Tuesday and Ancelotti admitted he was shocked by the result.

He said: “I was surprised. On an individual level [Flamengo] had the advantage, but they are in the preparation phase and their physical level is not top like other teams. They paid for it.”

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