Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has backed forward Karim Benzema after he was charged by French prosecutors with being complicit in a conspiracy to blackmail his former France teammate Matthieu Valbuena in a case linked to a sex tape.
Investigators alleged that Benzema, who has denied wrongdoing, encouraged Valbuena to pay blackmailers in order that the tape would not be made public.
French prosecutors announced on Thursday that Benzema will have to stand trial for his alleged role in the affair that dates back to 2015.
"I support him completely, these aren't easy situations," Zidane told a news conference ahead of Saturday's La Liga trip to Osasuna.
"I can see that he's well, that he's not thinking about that and he's focused on the job at hand here.
"It's a tough situation and I hope that for everyone's sake it can be solved soon. He's working hard, which is what he enjoys doing and he wants to make everyone happy."
Benzema has netted eight times in 15 La Liga games this season as Real look to chase down table toppers Atletico.
They sit second and two points behind their city rivals having played two games more.
Zidane, who had to temporarily self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who had tested positive for Covid-19, will travel to the Basque Country with the rest of the squad as normal after testing negative.
Right back Dani Carvajal and forward Rodrygo will miss the game, but Eden Hazard is in the squad as he continues his recovery from a hamstring problem picked up before the winter break.
Latest Stories
-
We expect significant reduction in prices of petroleum products in coming weeks – CEO AOMC
7 mins -
Betway Africa offers once-in-a-lifetime ‘Play-on-the-Pitch’ experience at Emirates Stadium
16 mins -
I coined the term ‘hype man’ in Ghana – Merqury Quaye
21 mins -
Vasseur questions ‘strange momentum’ of Formula One race director change
43 mins -
“I am disappointed in Kojo Manuel” – Merqury Quaye on “no tie” comment
43 mins -
Nana Kwame Bediako; The beacon of unity
46 mins -
Western Region: NDC youth wing embarks on phase 2 of ‘retail campaign’
1 hour -
Action Chapel International holds annual Impact Convention in November
1 hour -
Jana Foundation urges young women to take up leadership roles
1 hour -
All set for Joy FM Prayer Summit for Peace 2024
1 hour -
Managing Prediabetes with the Help of a Dietitian
2 hours -
Joy FM listeners criticise Achiase Commanding Officer’s election comment
2 hours -
Legal Aid Commission employees threaten strike over poor working conditions
2 hours -
Ghana ranked 7th globally as biggest beneficiary of World Bank funding
2 hours -
IMF board to disburse $360m to Ghana in December after third review
2 hours