Real Madrid return to the Champions League having lost in the semi-final last year to eventual runners-up Juventus. The Spanish giants have recieved a boost ahead of hosting Shakhtar Donetsk at Santiago Bernabeu with skipper Sergio Ramos returning to training.
Real Madrid kick off their UEFA Champions League campaign against Ukranian giants Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday. The Spanish giants are in Group A alongsideParis Saint-Germain, Shakhtar Donetsk and Malmo in Group A.
Sergio Ramos had limped off in the second half of the 6-0 win over Espanyol. However, the captain returned to normal training on Monday and is expected to play against the Ukranian side.
While Castilla players Martin Odegaard, Mariano, Abner and Marcos Llorente were all promoted to train with the first team squad on Monday, Benitez chose to name only a 19-man squad that did not include the quartet.
Real Madrid are still without attacking midfielder James Rodriguez and full-back Danilo, who continue to recover from their injuries picked up during the international break.
Besides the duo, Benitez will have a full squad to chose from in his first game in charge of Real Madrid in the Champions League, a competition he has always done well in.
Benitez is expected to play more or less with the same squad that demolished Espanyol at the weekend, with a couple of changes.
Real Madrid squad
Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Casilla and Rub n YA? ez.
. Defenders: Ramos, Pepe, Varane, Carvajal, Marcelo and Nacho.
Midfielders: Modric, Kroos, Casemiro, Isco, Bale, Kovacic and Cheryshev.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema and Jes .