Karim Benzema will feature in the 'Clasico'. It remains to be seen, however, whether he will start or come on in the second half with the decision hinging on his confidence levels.
The Frenchman is fit to play 45 minutes. After over a month on the sidelines, the 27-year-old is short of match fitness, which is why he and Rafa Ben?tez agree that he should not be risked for more than half of the contest. If Benzema feels confident after a final test and tells the boss he wants to start, he is very likely to be granted his wish.
Ben?tez backs Benzema
Since taking over the reins, the Spaniard has shown complete faith in his French forward and set him the challenge of 25 goals for the season. Until his injury, he was the club's top goalscorer with six strikes in five league games, which is his finest tally at that stage of the campaign since signing from Lyon in 2009.
The alternative option is for Benzema to wait until the second half to enter the fray. Ben?tez has various players who could fill in, although he knows the number 9 is the perfect foil for Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. Isco and James could well complete the trio if the Frenchman starts the game on the bench.
Benzema is keen to prove his worth during the 'Clasico' and get the world talking about what he does on the pitch once again after an injury and controversy-filled period, with the Valbuena case affecting him deeply. Playing football could well be the best medicine of all.
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