Real Madrid make Karim Benzema injury decision ahead of Espanyol clash

Karim Benzema is set to miss Saturday's meeting between Real Madrid and Espanyol with an ankle injury.

The Frenchman was among a group of players who failed to train with the team on Wednesday and he failed to make it out to the pitch on Thursday either, instead remaining inside to work on recovering from an ankle problem.

Having already missed time with seven separate fitness issues this season, Real have taken the decision to keep Benzema out on the sidelines once again.

Marca note that Real's priority for the remainder of the season is retaining the Champions League and so no risks will be taken with Benzema, who could return in time for the visit of Liverpool on Wednesday evening.

Benzema was sensational in the 5-2 victory at Anfield earlier this month and Real would rather preserve his fitness for the European tie instead of risking him against Espanyol.

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Real have not given up on winning La Liga but, with Barcelona nine points ahead, there is an acceptance that their focus should turn to the Champions League instead.

That being said, the two giants will butt heads in El Clasico on March 19, four days after the Liverpool game, and Real also want to ensure Benzema is fit for that match as the fate of their title charge rests on that result.

In the short term, it's likely to be Rodrygo who fills in for Benzema up top, although Carlo Ancelotti could turn to young Alvaro Rodriguez, who is making a real impact in Los Blancos' senior setup.

The 18-year-old has come off the bench in each of Real's last three league games, accumulating just 18 minutes, but he has still managed to contribute one goal and one assist.