Karim Benzema can't go on forever - Real Madrid need to sign a new striker this summer

Karim Benzema refused to acknowledge Carlo Ancelotti when the manager substituted him in the second leg of Real Madrid's Champions League quarter-final clash with Chelsea.

The game was, at the time of Benzema's removal, over. Madrid had a convincing aggregate lead, and although they hadn't dominated on the night, were cruising towards yet another semi-final appearance.

Benzema, having taken a heavy knock from a challenge in the first half, probably needed a rest, too. But the striker wanted to stay on the pitch all the same, and sulked as he watched his side run out 4-0 aggregate winners.

Since that contest, Benzema endured a miserable 90 minutes against Celta Vigo, and was forced to sit out Madrid's loss to Girona on Tuesday due to the lasting effects of the same issue that had led to him limping off in west London.

This is not the first time, though, that the striker has had to deal with injury. Benzema, when fit, is still one of the best strikers in the world. The Ballon d'Or winning player of 2022 is certainly still there. But the fitness issues continue to add up for the 35-year-old, and he can no longer be relied on to play every game.

And when he's not around, Los Blancos have struggled. Their other attacking players look lost, while the myriad of solutions in his position — usually Rodrygo as an awkward No.9 — don't quite offer the same bite.

And with no clear solution having yet emerged from the academy or alternative system to fix things, Real Madrid need to add another striker this summer.