The injury that will keep Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain out for three weeks has re-opened the debate over Real Madrid’s attacking options, with Karim Benzema and Raul fighting for a starting spot. Los Blancos coach Manuel Pellegrini must decide between the French youngster and the Spanish legend Raul ahead of this weekend’s clash with Athletic Bilbao.
In determining who should accompany Cristiano Ronaldo in the Merengues attack, 9,450 fans responded on AS.com, with 85% favouring Benzema instead of the ageing Raul, who has started just 11 of 25 competitive matches this season and has now, in large part, become accepted as a bench warmer.
As such, it is anticipated that Benzema, who has expressed his disappointment at having been relegated to the bench in favour of the in-form Higuain, will have three weeks to demonstrate his abilities in the starting line-up.
The €35 million Frenchman has had to settle for substitute appearances in five of the past six matches, with the exception being an exceptional performance at Valencia when used as a replacement for the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cyrus C. Malek, Goal.com
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