MADRID: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says he is happy with the current squad and won’t look for back-up for Karim Benzema in January.
The Ballon d’Or-winning striker, who turns 35 in December, has suffered from thigh injuries this season and missed most of the club’s matches in September.
“We are not thinking about the winter window, we are not interested in it,” Ancelotti told a news conference on Saturday, ahead of Real Madrid’s clash with Girona on Sunday.
“This is the squad which will continue until the end of the season and it will not change.”
The coach said Benzema will not face Girona despite training on Friday, while Rodrygo was a doubt after feeling unwell overnight but was included in the squad, unlike his strike partner.
Benzema missed the win over Sevilla last weekend and the Champions League loss at RB Leipzig with muscular fatigue in his quadriceps, but had been expected to return to face Girona.
“After training he did not feel comfortable, he did a test, there’s no problem but we have to take into account how he feels,” said Ancelotti.
“There are clinical tests, that say there’s no problem, but after that there’s how the player feels, and he says he’s not 100 percent.”
Benzema is set to lead France into the 2022 World Cup in November, providing his injury issues clear up.
Luka Modric, Fede Valverde, Dani Ceballos and Mariano returned to the league leaders’ squad list for the game after various injury problems.
Madrid suffered their first defeat of the season across all competitions against Leipzig on Tuesday, but had already qualified for the Champions League last 16.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois criticized the team after the game, saying they went out “asleep” against the Bundesliga side.
“What Thibaut said was not ferocious, it was fair,” said Ancelotti.
“Now we don’t have to think too much about what happened in Leipzig, it’s over, we saw it, and now we will correct it.”
Second-placed Barcelona can pull level on points with Real Madrid at the top of the table if they win at Valencia on Saturday.
Ancelotti happy with Madrid squad despite Benzema injury issues
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Ancelotti happy with Madrid squad despite Benzema injury issues
- The Ballon d'Or-winning striker, who turns 35 in December, has suffered from thigh injuries this season
- The coach said Benzema will not face Girona despite training on Friday
Dubai Basketball introduce 17-year-old Tomislav Vuckovic as they stay perfect in ABA League
- Winning streak now at 12-0 after the team’s 90-79 victory over Borac Mozzart at Coca-Cola Arena
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball extended their winning streak to 12-0 in the ABA League with a 90-79 victory over Borac Mozzart at Coca-Cola Arena on Monday.
The game also marked a historic moment for the club and basketball development in the UAE. Tomislav Vuckovic, 17, became the first Dubai Basketball Academy player to start for the senior team in official competition.
His inclusion represents a significant milestone in the club’s long-term vision to help young players become professionals, according to a statement from the team.
The opening quarter did not unfold in line with Dubai’s usual standards. Borac Mozzart began with confidence and tempo, capitalizing on early lapses to take a 23-19 lead after the first 10 minutes.
As the former NBA duo McKinley Wright and Dwayne Bacon orchestrated the offence, Dubai gradually took control and went into halftime with a 41-37 advantage.
Dubai’s depth played a key role as the game progressed. Contributions from newcomer Kenan Kamenjas, and Dubai veterans Nemanja Dangubic and Klemen Prepelic, helped sustain the advantage.
Borac’s efforts were largely driven by Marko Josilo and Diante Baldwin. Without consistent support, the visitors were unable to mount a comeback.
Reflecting on the performance, Dubai Basketball Head Coach Jurica Golemac said: “It was not an easy game, especially after such a tight schedule.
“We did not start well, but we found our rhythm in the second half and made the game easier. Everyone shared minutes, nobody got injured, and that is the most important thing for us.”
Dubai managed the final quarter with composure, closing out the contest without allowing the margin to come under threat. Bacon led the scoring with 15 points, while Kamenjas added 13 and seven rebounds.
The team now head into round 22 of the EuroLeague against Virtus Bologna, standing 12th in the league, one position above Dubai.
