Rafael Benitez has hit out against ‘unnecessary’ international fixtures after James Rodriguez and Danilo returned to Real Madrid after picking up an injury with their national team.
The Spaniard was categorical in his criticism of a unnecessary international fixturesa as he promised to make changes to his starting line-up against Espanyol.
Now James is out injured ita s a problem for us
As reported by AS, Benitez praised Rodriguez for his terrific form prior to the international break but claimed that there are a three or foura players that can replace him in the starting line-up.
a He was in tremendous form and playing brilliantly and now hea s out injured ita s a problem for us; but therea s no point crying about it a we must deal with it with the players we have available. Three or four players can play in his role.a
According to a statement released by the club, James Rodriguez is suffering from a torn thigh muscle as he remains to undergo further medical evaluation.
a Following the tests carried out on James Rodr guez today in the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, the player has been diagnosed with a tear in his left thigh muscle, resulting from a knock he sustained during the match between Colombia and Peru. His condition will be evaluated.a
Speaking about Danilo, the manager said that the Brazilian wasna t injured when he joined the national team as he expressed his desire to a control our playersa .
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a He wasna t injured when he left to join up with his national team. These things happen. The reason why is an internal issue. We have to control our players a sometimes you can and sometimes you cana t but we do what we can.”
The manager recalled speaking about the same issue earlier as players were forced to unnecessarily participate with their national teams.
a During a meeting in Nyon I said that there are too many games but I dona t make the rules. They force players to take part in unnecessary games and not just friendlies.a
With regards to his starting line-up against Espanyol, Benitez refused to divulge any information but promised to make a a couple of changesa as he looks to earn three crucial points.
a Ia m sure there will be a couple of changes. Thata s not a worry.a