Benzema returns to 'FURIOUS' Saudi club 17 days late after mid-season break
Karim Benzema has returned to his Saudi side 17 days late after the league's mid-season break.
The former Real Madrid forward signed for Al-Ittihad in the summer transfer window and is reportedly being paid 100 million euros (£85.9m) a season.
After a difficult start to the season, the club sit seventh in the league after three consecutive defeats.
And it appears Al-Ittihad's owners will be even more disappointed after their French forward returned back from the mid-season break more than two weeks late.
According to France 24, a source close to the club said Benzema, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2022, had been on holiday in Mauritius until Monday.
'Benzema arrived Thursday evening, 17 days late. He should have returned on January 2,' the source close to the club said.
'We couldn't reach him for 10 days. The club management and the coach are furious with what happened.
'There will be a meeting with the club board to explain what happened and discuss his future.'
Chelsea could turn their attention to Karim Benzema and Roberto Firmino, as they look to address their lack of firepower in January.
Despite investing over £1billion on players since Todd Boehly took over two years ago, the Blues are prepared to spend again this month with a striker top of their wish list.
Nicolas Jackson has scored eight goals in 23 games in all competitions after joining from Villarreal for £37m in the summer, while £50m signing Christopher Nkunku has scored once in three Premier League appearances after missing the first three months of the season with a knee injury.
Of the teams in the top half of the Premier League table, only Manchester United and West Ham have scored fewer goal than Chelsea's return of 35 in 21 games and Mauricio Pochettino is eager
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