Revealed: Why Karim Benzema would miss Osasuna game

Photo: Getty images

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has named his 21-man squad for the away trip to Osasuna on Saturday.

Karim Benzema is absent for this tie, despite having featured in the last game against Elche.

The 35-year-old striker suffered a knock during the game against Elche and is struggling with some discomfort.

It’s however not a serious issue, and Real Madrid do not want to risk him ahead of the Champions League tie against Liverpool next Tuesday.

Ferland Mendy is out of the tie, and Toni Kroos is also out of the game due to gastroenteritis.

Carlo Ancelotti will have back Vinicius Junior who has served his suspension, and Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard are back from injury.

See the squad for the Osasuna tie below

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Luis Lopez.

Defenders: Eder Militao, David Alaba, Alvaro Odriozola, Jesus Vallejo, Nacho, Lucas Vazquez, Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal.

Midfield: Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos.

Forwards: Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, Alvaro Rodriguez.

Real Madrid would have the opportunity to close the gap on Barcelona to five points, who would later play on Sunday.