Real Madrid star Karim Benzema will miss the pre-season El Clasico showdown against Barcelona in the United States.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has the majority of his first team squad back in training already but Karim Benzema is still absent due to an extended break for the Frenchman.

Benzema is currently in the United States and will join his Real Madrid teammates in their Los Angeles base on July 19th.

The Frenchman is expected to miss the El Clasico against Barcelona on the 24th July in the United States as he would only have had three training sessions with the team.

Having few training sessions before playing increases the risk of injuries and Real Madrid Ancelotti won’t be willing to risk an injury to his star man.

Without Benzema, Ancelotti could use Borja Mayoral as a center forward or try Edem Hazard as a false ‘nine’.