Benzema 'kicked off Al-Ittihad trip' after going AWOL and snubbing training

14 January 2024 , 07:51

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Benzema 'kicked off Al-Ittihad trip' after going AWOL and snubbing training

Karim Benzema has failed to report for a training camp with Al-Ittihad and has been axed from a trip to Dubai, according to reports.

The forward was due to report to Al-Ittihad's facilities for a presentation day on Friday and failed to do so, which prompted his manager, Marcelo Gallardo, to head to Dubai without the Frenchman. Marca claim that Benzema has already missed training on three occasions.

Benzema will not be a late arrival for the training camp in Dubai and his absence has not been green lighted by the Al-Ittihad boss. His misdemeanour comes after he allegedly went AWOL before a Saudi Pro League match with Gallardo unable to give any reasoning for his absence.

The former Real Madrid man, himself a recent Ballon d'Or winner, stated his desire to be part of the project in Saudi Arabia, but also to win trophies. That appears unlikely this season with his Al-Ittihad outfit languishing in mid-table having won eight of their 18 games.

It means Benzema is unlikely to fulfil his initial ambition and he's certainly not yet hit the heights expected. He's scored 15 times in 24 games, but did clash with previous manager Nuno Espirito Santo before he was shown the door.

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A source close to Al-Ittihad's management admitted towards the end of last year that signings like Benzema have "not yet achieved the desired result". They added: "Of course, we were expecting more from Benzema especially, but we realise his value as a world-class player. It is not always easy to move to a new country and league and shine immediately. It is a matter of time."

Karim Benzema finds himself in hot water with Al-Ittihad

Benzema is not the only player struggling to adapt to a new culture and footballing landscape. A host of players swapped Europe for the Middle East but have been unable to bring their form with them, some now seeking an early exit.

Despite being paid mammoth sums - and copping huge criticism for it - Jordan Henderson is looking for a way out of Al-Ettifaq. The former Liverpool skipper could be granted a route back into European football with Ajax, but that comes after he too cited a desire to be part of a growing project.

Samuel Meade