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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Benzema dropped from AFC Champions League squad</li><li>Tensions rise with Al-Ittihad boss</li><li>Linked with move away during January</li></ul>

Karim Benzema’s feud with Al-Ittihad rages on as forward incredibly left OUT of Saudi club’s AFC Champions League squad by coach Marcelo Gallardo

Saudi Pro League

Al Ittihad

Al Fateh FC

According to French outlet&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Karim-benzema-ecarte-du-groupe-d-al-ittihad-pour-la-ligue-des-champions-d-asie/1448601" target="_self">L’Equipe,</a> the former Real Madrid forward has been left out of the AFC Champions League squad by manager Marcelo Gallardo ahead of their round of 16 clash this week.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Following an unauthorised absence from the team, Benzema returned to training after being sanctioned by the club. The forward then took part in the first half of the session but was asked to train on his own for the second part. “His return depends on himself and his physical condition,” Gallardo said after the incident.

WHAT GALLARDO SAID

Tensions between both Benzema and the club are continuing to grow after he was heavily linked with a move away from the team during the January transfer window. However, he remained at Al-Ittihad past the deadline and has since reiterated his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/karim-benzema-instagram-saudi-arabia-al-ittihad-fallout/bltc7cf4f827bb367f7" target="_blank">commitment to the club. </a>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Benzema, 36, has missed the last two fixtures through injury and will now watch on from the sidelines after not being included in the squad to face Uzbekistan side Navbahor Namangan on Thursday.

WHAT NEXT FOR BENZEMA

Karim Benzema’s feud with Al-Ittihad rages on as forward incredibly left OUT of Saudi club’s AFC Champions League squad by coach Marcelo Gallardo | Goal.com

Karim Benzema&apos;s feud with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad is rumbling on after he was left out of their AFC Champions League squad.