Karim Benzema has not been at 100 percent over the past few weeks. The striker has missed a number of Real Madrid games due various injuries missing four consecutive LaLiga Santander games against Sevilla, Girona, Rayo Vallecano, and Cadiz.
He also missed the Champions League game against RB Leipzig, though he did play almost half an hour against Celtic at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
With the World Cup in Qatar ahead of him, Benzema is confident that after a few days of rest he will be able to perform at the showpiece event.
“I had a few minor niggles, nothing serious,” Benzema said on Amazon Prime following a ceremony held in honor of his Ballon d’Or by former club Lyon.
“There’s still time between now and 22 November [France’s World Cup opener against Australia]. I’ll be in good shape, physically and mentally ready,”
“It’s magnificent. Thanks to my club Real Madrid, who allowed me to make my dream come true, and to Lyon, my team when I was growing up. It’s my city. To see all these people and the fans is extraordinary.”
The dream of the World Cup
Benzema is also looking forward to his first World Cup since 2014, and says winning the tournament would be a good birthday present.
“It would be one of the best birthday presents for me,” Benzema continued.
“Every match will be a final. We have a very good group, we’re going to take it match by match. Benzema will celebrate his 35th birthday the day after the final.”
