It's a micro-event but which, in view of Karim Benzema's recent news, fits perfectly into the theme of upheaval.
This Friday, when Real Madrid faced Getafe in a friendly at the Valdebebas training center, in anticipation of the resumption of the Spanish Liga this Thursday, December 29, the French Ballon d'Or appeared for the first time, for more than three years, without his bandage on his right hand when walking the lawn.
This bandage has followed him on all grounds since an injury contracted on January 13, 2019, during a match against Betis (1-2).
Benzema fractures his right little finger in a clash with opposing defender Marc Bartra just after the break and is substituted.
Surgery would keep him away from the field for several weeks and Real, at that time, was in bad shape sportingly.
Decision is then taken to do without the intervention.
Since then, he bandaged his hand in every game.
🤝 Practice match at #RMCity!
🆚 @GetafeCF pic.twitter.com/QwHetVINBk
— Real Madrid CF 🇫🇷 (@realmadridfra) December 23, 2022
A little something that didn't seem to bring him bad luck: since 2019, Benzema has had a string of breathtaking seasons, culminating of course in winning the club's fourteenth Champions League and his first Football. gold.
Benzema's bandage, which encircled his wrist, his hand and now his right pinky and ring finger, has followed him ever since and even ended up defining him, becoming part of his visual identity.
If he did not wear his bandage during training, he had it, on the other hand, during all the matches.
To date, no explanation has been given for the disappearance of this small distinctive sign, perhaps only due to the fact that it was a small training match, lasting only 60 minutes.
But after the announcement of his international retirement, shortly after the defeat of the Blues in the final of a World Cup which he could not play, it is a new change noticed in the highly observed career of Karim Benzema.
Second in La Liga behind FC Barcelona, Real Madrid travels this Friday, December 30 to Valladolid for the 15th day of La Liga.
The merengue club is counting on its Golden Ball for this match.
He has not appeared in official competition since November 2, 2022 against Celtic in the Champions League.