Karim Benzema Will Make His Debut For Shakhtar, Says Carlo Ancelotti

Prior to Sunday’s Clasico versus Barcelona, Carlo Ancelotti announced that Karim Benzema is healthy and will start for Real Madrid against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

Tuesday in Warsaw, where Shakhtar will play their home games due to Russia’s conflict on Ukraine, Benzema will be Madrid’s attacking leader.
The attacker, who had played in two games after returning from a thigh injury, was absent from the 1-0 victory at Getafe on Saturday in La Liga. Vinicius Jr. may be rested in preparation for the Clasico.

“Due to his extensive playing experience, Vini is one of the players I must analyze. He performed on Saturday night, and since we traveled today, we must assess it “Ancelotti stated.

“Karim’s health is good. He will undoubtedly start tomorrow’s game, we are certain. Like (Toni) Kroos and (Ferland) Mendy, who are both young and will play, he will participate.”
Real Madrid is in first place in Group F and has a win versus Shakhtar to guarantee their passage into the round of 16.

In spite of Ancelotti’s claim that Thibaut Courtois was feeling better after suffering from sciatica and might be able to play in the Clasico, Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin will once again get the start against the team from his country.

“Andriy is very reserved. He doesn’t talk much, but he is affected by everything that is occurring in Ukraine, just like everyone else “Ancelotti stated.
“The only thing we can do is show our support. We are available to assist him if he requires anything.”

“The only thing that we can do it offer solidarity. If he needs anything, we are here to help him.”

“He’s doing well. He’s young. He has a lot of quality. These games help him gain experience and knowledge, the only things he needs, because he has the qualities of a great goalkeeper.”