<!-- Article Start --> <h3 style="text-align: justify"><strong>Speaking ahead of Real Madrida s opening fixture against Sporting Gijon, Rafa Benitez indicated that he could use Cristiano Ronaldo as a striker along with Jese Rodriguez and Mayoral as Karim Benzema remains sidelined with a thigh injury.</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify">Having refused to sign Chicharito from Manchester United following his year-long loan spell, Real Madrid do not have a supporting striker in their squad in order to support the Frenchman.</p> <h3 style="text-align: justify">Ronaldo Could Be Used As A No 9 In Benzemaa s Absence</h3> <p style="text-align: justify">However, as <a href="http://www.marca.com/en/2015/08/22/en/football/real_madrid/1440244750.html" target="_blank">reported by Marca</a>, Benitez claimed that he was open to the idea of using Cristiano Ronaldo as a striker along with Jese Rodriguez, if the situation demanded so.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">a We also have Cristiano Ronaldo, Jes and Borja Mayoral. We're not looking for another number 9 right now."</p> <h3 style="text-align: justify">Kovacic available for selection as Isco and Rodriguez jostle for a spot</h3> <p style="text-align: justify">Meanwhile, new signing Mateo Kovacic has been <a href="http://www.marca.com/en/2015/08/22/en/football/real_madrid/1440259180.html" target="_blank">called up for the away trip</a> but it seems unlikely that the Croatian international will be handed his debut against Sporting Gijon. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are expected to start in the midfield.</p> . [caption id="attachment_200339" align="aligncenter" width="570"]<a href="http://www.thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/04889033.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-200339" src="http://www.thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/04889033-1024x683.jpg" alt="Kovacic has been called up for Real Madrid's opening fixture against Sporting Gijon" width="570" height="380" /></a> Kovacic has been called up for Real Madrid's opening fixture against Sporting Gijon[/caption] <p style="text-align: justify">It will be interesting to see how Real Madrid shape up in their opening fixture with both Isco and James Rodriguez vying for a spot. Both the midfielders have had a successful pre-season tour and it will be difficult for the manager to pick one over the other. However, the Spaniard could opt to use Cristiano Ronaldo as a striker in front of Gareth Bale, with Isco and Rodriguez operating down the flanks.</p> <!-- Article End -->