Is it a new stage of conflict? Benzema was not included in the squad for the AFC Champions League

Al-Ittihad's star forward Karim Benzema was not included in the Saudi team's squad for the first match of the Asian Champions League 1/8 finals against Uzbekistan's Navbahor.

Ittihad head coach Marcelo Gallardo decided not to include the Frenchman among the five foreigners who can take part in the match.

Earlier, another misunderstanding between Benzema and Gallardo was reported. Last week, the forward decided to leave the team's training session after the head coach asked him to train separately from the team.

Because of this, Benzema missed the Professional League match against Al-Thai.

In January, there were reports that Benzema wanted to return to Europe, but to do so he would have to take a significant pay cut. Chelsea and Arsenal were named among the contenders for his transfer, and his return to his native Lyon was not ruled out.

Benzema's contract with the Saudi Arabian champions runs until the summer of 2026. In the current season, the Real Madrid legend has 12 goals and five assists in 20 matches in all competitions.