Real Madrid CF manager Rafa Benitez has revealed that his entire squad is fit and available for Saturday night’s Clasico against Barcelona.
Real Madrid have been crippled by injuries to several first team players throughout the course of the season. James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Marcelo, Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric, Pepe, Keylor Navas and Danilo have spent a lot of time in the treatment room this season.
To have the entire squad at his disposal for the biggest clash of the season so far has given a major boost to manager Rafa Benitez, who has recently come under criticism from some sections of the media for his pragmatic approach to the game.
Benzema, Ramos, Navas fit to feature in El Clasico
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Speaking to the media ahead of his side’s big clash against rivals FC Barcelona, Rafa Benitez gave an injury update on his squad.
“[Karim] Benzema is in the squad, he trained well and is part of the group,” Benitez was quoted as saying by the club’s official website. We still have to decide whether he plays or not, but he’s part of the group. We’ll assess how he feels in every respect and make a decision with him over whether or not he plays”.
“It’s the second time that we’ve had everyone available. It brings me optimism for the future. This is a winning team with potential for growth.
“If we have everyone available, competition for places is higher and that’s beneficial for the group. Everyone who is in the squad is important and could play.”
Asked about the injury status of club captain Sergio Ramos and goalkeeper Keylor Navas, Benitez revealed, “Sergio [Ramos] will play and will be absolutely fine. We appreciate the effort that he’s making for us. He’s the captain, he has to be there and he will be there.”
“Keylor is getting over his fitness issues, he’s in good shape and in principle I’m optimistic”.
Marcelo, Danilo and Dani Carvajal have also recovered from their respective injuries and are to fit to feature against FC Barcelona.
With Karim Benzema back to full fitness, Real Madrid’s attacking triumvirate of Bale-Benzema-Cristiano (BBC) are set to lock horns with Barcelona’s attacking trio of Messi-Suarez-Neymar (MSN). The winner of this battle may well end up determining the winner of the first El Clasico of the season.
Here’s our 20-man squad to face Barcelona. ?Y YZ? #RMClasico #RMLiga #HalaMadrid https://t.co/7louE25BCf
a Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) November 20, 2015
