Real Madrid are preparing for a Thursday's Copa del Rey clash with Athletic Club at Estadio San Mamés minus their most influential star.
In what will be their fourth meeting this season, the Carlo Ancelotti-led side have won all three games, two La Liga meetings and a Spanish Super Cup final.
Los Blancos will head into today’s Copa del Rey clash with Athletic Club minus top scorer Karim Benzema, who has been in brilliant form all season scoring 24 goals across all competition.
The Frenchman has not been able to recover a 100% from a muscle strain and looks set to be sidelined.
Despite returning to group training yesterday Benzema will unlikely be used today as Ancelotti would not want to risk making the injury a long-term concern.
Real Madrid will also be in action on Sunday in La Liga when they face Granada at home.
