Real to rest Benzema as Clasico looms

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful Karim Benzema will be fit to face title rivals Barcelona on Sunday after confirming the France international will not feature against Schalke tonight.

Benzema was replaced after 32 minutes of Saturday’s Primera Division win at Malaga after suffering a thigh injury and will sit out the Champions League last-16 second leg against Schalke (kick-off 7.45pm). Benzema’s absence should not cause the Spanish giants too much concern as they boast a 6-1 lead from the first leg, but they are keeping fingers crossed he will be fit for Sunday’s Clasico at the Bernabeu.

Ancelotti said: “He’s recovering, he can’t play tomorrow but we’re confident that he will be back for Sunday. He is a very important player, not only because he scores goals. He’s picked up a knock and we’re going to wait for him to recover.”