Karim Benzema is in deep trouble! The Frenchman, who has been facing domestic criticism for the past few days, is now trapped on a small island in Mauritius due to a heavy cyclone. This shocking update came to light after the former Real Madrid star failed to join Al Ittihad for pre-season training in Saudi Arabia. 

Notably, Benzema was reportedly expelled from the team by boss Marcelo Gallardo from flying to Dubai alongside the squad for the ‘mini stage’ tournament. The decision came after the French player allegedly skipped three training sessions in Jeddah without seeking permission before the year ended, right before the players’ official holidays leading up to the Christmas break. Furthermore, just like his fellow teammates, Benzema had his formal introduction day on Friday, January 12th, at the club’s facilities in Jeddah. 

However, as per Marca, reports from Saudi sources state that he did not attend this occasion as well because of the adverse weather conditions. Although the presentation day was on Friday, Benzema’s entourage boldly asserts hurricanes as the reason. Notably, the 2021 Ballon d’Or winner appeared to have reached a tipping point since Al Ittihad’s poor 2-5 defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, during which the striker was heavily criticized. 

Aside from deleting his social media accounts, he hasn’t shown up for training since then. Despite scoring 12 goals in 20 games for Al-Numoor, he continues to be a subject of criticism. Either way, this omission raises questions about Benzema’s future at the club. This behavior has reportedly forced Al Ittihad to put him on the transfer market after he just arrived in the 2023 transfer window. 

Al Ittihad to part ways with Karim Benzema? 

As per the reports, Al Ittihad is reportedly looking to replace Karim Benzema with Atletico Madrid star Angel Correa. The Argentinian forward has been tipped to leave Los Rojiblancos, and Gallardo’s side is eyeing to snatch him. They are reportedly ready to offer $66 million to Atletico and a three-year deal to the 28-year-old.

READ MORE: Despite Jordan Henderson’s Quashed Exit, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Teammate on Al Ettifaq’s Radar: Reports

Having arrived at Metropolitano in 2015, Correa’s contract with Simone’s side expires in the summer of 2026. Notably, the player has featured in 23 games this season and has notched just five goals and an assist. These numbers have forced Atletico to sell and replace him with an MLS ace. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen what happens at this stage.

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