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Karim Benzema was trapped by a cyclone in the Mauritius Islands, where he was on vacation, and therefore missed the Al-Ittihad reunion, ahead of the new season, writes the Spanish press.

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The Indian Ocean is currently being hit by Cyclone Belal, which has already claimed one life on Réunion Island, triggering a red alert across the region. Hurricane-force winds and speeds exceeding 165 km/h forced the population and tourists, including Karim Benezema, to take refuge in their homes, writes the Catalan newspaper Sport.

Benzema was therefore unable to join his Al-Ittihad teammates in time for the start of pre-season and also for the planned trip to Dubai. The outlook is not encouraging, because the cyclone is expected to maintain its significant impact on the region in the coming days, adds the cited source.

The French footballer left Real Madrid last year and signed for Al-Itthiad, which attracted him to Saudi Arabia with an impressive salary, estimated at 200 million euros per season. Benzema is wanted by Chelsea and Manchester United, according to British media. Marca journalists write that, although he has not adapted in Saudi Arabia, the French forward wants to continue at Al-Ittihad.

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Karim Benzema, on vacation with his ex-wife

Benzema spent his holidays in Mauritius with his ex-wife, Chole de Launay, with whom he has two children, Meliá and Nouri. The footballer has a son named Ibrahim with his ex-partner, Cora Gaulthier, and recently became a father for the fourth time. His current partner, Jordan Ozuna, gave him a son in April of last year.