Karim Benzema: I'll force the issue, if not I'd have stayed in Madrid

Karim Benzema spoke for Real Madrid ahead of the Champions League clash with PSG in Paris on Tuesday night. The striker has not played for three weeks with an injury but said he is mentally ready and willing to force the issue to help his team.

“I feel good after many hours of work but I have to have the feelings on the pitch,” said Benzema ahead of the final training session before the game.

“To be 100 per cent the head is most important and I have recovered enough. I am prepared in my head, it’s a big game. I am here to help the team and if I have to play tomorrow I will give everything on the pitch.

“I’ll force the issue for my team, if not, I’d have stayed in Madrid. But it’s not forcing it to get injured again, I’m thinking of my team. It’s a big game, the important thing is to play and to win. It’s been hard being off the pitch. Morning, noon and night I’ve worked at Valdebebas and at home.”