Real Madrid Hip issues spill over into league campaign

Injury will keep Karim Benzema out of first-team action for Real Madrid's LaLiga curtain-raiser against Real Sociedad, despite the Frenchman making positive steps towards recovery.

The Frenchman is targeting a gradual comeback, after missing out on Zinedine Zidane's squad for the Trofeo Bernabeu match, as Los Blancos look to avoid the ex-Lyon forward aggravating a hip injury.

Given how close it is to the match against Real Sociedad is, Benzema will miss out on even being chosen in the travelling squad.

Hip problems are a continuing issue for the player, who is slowly going through his treatment at the club with time running against him, with Real Madrid not wanting to risk one of their star men.

Benzema is preferring to take his time over his recovery, rather than rushing back to aggravate the problem once again as he did at the tail end of last season.

Similarly, Zidane is aware of the importance of the Frenchman for his forward line, but is prepared to wait in order to be able to unleash him at his very best.