Karim Benzema has returned to training with Saudi club Al-Ittihad since Monday.
The French striker returned from his vacation in mid-January 17 days late, officially because he was stranded in Mauritius by Cyclone Belal.
Benzema (36) was sidelined for a while by Al-Ittihad, and rumors suggested that a departure could not be ruled out, six months after his arrival from Real Madrid.
Coach Marcelo Gallardo was asked about Benzema's return to training.
“His return depends on him and his physical state during the current period
,” he soberly replied.
Al-Ittihad travels to Al-Taï this Tuesday (7 p.m.), then will play again on February 15 in the Asian Champions League.
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Al-Ittihad's flagship recruit last summer, Benzema started the season well in Saudi Arabia.
Then he was strongly criticized for a performance deemed insufficient on the field, in addition to a conflict with his coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who has since been sacked.
Elected Ballon d'Or in 2022, Benzema saw his name associated with a return to Lyon, his training club, this winter.
He is under contract until June 2026 with Al-Ittihad.