Karim Benzema is the biggest concern for Carlo Ancelotti as he starts to think about his team selection for the Champions League final on Saturday.
Los Blancos take on Atletico de Madrid in Lisbon, and there were some question marks over the fitness of some of his players. But it appears Portuguese pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe will win the race against time to be in the lineup.
Ronaldo sat out the final day win over Espanyol as a precaution, missing out on the chance to secure the Golden Boot award for himself as the top scorer in Europe. Instead he ended the campaign with 31 league goals – the same as Liverpool’s Luis Suarez.
Pepe had initially been ruled out of the match with a calf strain picked up in the draw at Valladolid, but has made a quicker than expected recovery, providing Ancelotti with some good news.
But Frenchman Benzema may not feature having left the field on Saturday with a groin strain. Although not thought to be serious, it is preventing him from training with the squad and is causing some discomfort.
According to Marca, both Benzema and Ronaldo will not take part in first-team training until at least Thursday, instead being looked after by the club’s physios to give them the best possible chance to be ready for Lisbon.
