Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema was absent Wednesday for the opening of a three-day trial for his involvement in an alleged attempt to blackmail former France teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

The 33-year-old Benzema's legal team told the court in Versailles that professional obligations made it "impossible" for him to attend. Valbuena's lawyer said he deplored the absence, reports Marca.

Benzema played for Madrid in Kyiv on Tuesday against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. Madrid plays again Sunday against Barcelona in the Spanish league. Four other people accused of attempted blackmail in the case were present in court.

Benzema is on trial for complicity in attempted blackmail. The charges are punishable by up to five years in prison and a 75,000 euro ($87,400) fine. Benzema has denied wrongdoing.

Karim Benzema's blistering 2021 continued with a fine performance against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, yet the French forward already has plans for life after Real Madrid, admitting that he is considering moving to MLS in the future.

Benzema's current contract with Los Blancos is due to end in June 2023, when he will be 35 years old, although it's difficult to imagine the Spanish giants won't want to keep him beyond that given his form and fitness.

"I take things year by year, as long as I have this desire, this joy and I like football then I will continue," Benzema told ESPN.