Rafa Benitez's side were hampered by a series of
injuries before the international break but the return of the France
international striker will give them a lift
Karim Benzema has been Rafa Benitez's primary concern as the striker has not played in a competitive match since France's 4-0 win over Armenia on October 8 due to a hamstring problem.
The 27-year-old, who was taken into police custody earlier this month for questioning about his alleged involvement in the Mathieu Valbuena sex-tape blackmail case, has scored four goals in his last three home games against Madrid and also holds the record for the fastest goal ever to be scored in a Clasico with his strike after 22 seconds in 2011.
Rafael Benitez confirmed on Friday that Benzema is back in the squad to face Barca although he has not given any clues as to whether the former Lyon star will appear from the start.
Sergio Ramos is another player who has been battling for fitness ahead of Saturday's clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The centre-back, who claims the Madrid players have lost confidence in club doctor Jesus Olmo, damaged his shoulder against Sevilla before the international break but Benitez has since revealed that his captain will play on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Madrid daily sports newspaper Marca declared that Gareth Bale is '100 per cent' and arrives at the Clasico in perfect physical condition following his calf injury.
Keylor Navas has also taken part in training this week after overcoming a groin injury. The 28-year-old missed the 3-2 defeat to Sevilla on November 8 and did not link up with the Costa Rica squad during the international break.
Marcelo was another player on the treatment table before the international break. The Brazilian suffered a hamstring strain in the 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain at the start of the month and also missed the loss to Sevilla, but he has taken part in training this week.
On the opposite flank, Dani Carvajal will be pushing for a starting place following Danilo's struggles at right-back.
James Rodriguez has featured only three times for Madrid this season due to a thigh injury and his last start came in the 5-0 win over Real Betis on August 29. The 24-year-old completed both games for Colombia during the international break, though, and is likely to be handed a start ahead of Casemiro.
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