Reuters
Madrid, Nov 2: Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez has been relying on second-string players to get the club through a mini-injury crisis but should have several of his heavyweights back when Paris St Germain visit them in the Champions League encounter here Tuesday.
Playmaker James Rodriguez, striker Karim Benzema and captain and centre-back Sergio Ramos all look likely to be fit for the clash at the Bernabeu as the record 10-times winners look to pull clear of PSG at the top of Group A.
Midfielder Luka Modric may not be available after he was taken off at half time in Saturday’s 3-1 La Liga win at home to Las Palmas with a sore hip, while it is unclear when forward Gareth Bale might return from a calf injury.
With a string of regulars missing in recent weeks, Benitez has deployed youngsters like Casemiro, Jese, Lucas Vazquez and Nacho – who all graduated from Real’s B team – to keep their season ticking over.
“I told the players that these are the games they have to make the most of,” Benitez said here Monday. “They are collecting points for us and they are helping us maintain our competitiveness so the team can keep growing.
“But when the other players return it will be harder for them to stay in the first XI, but the important thing is that they are available and they contribute to keeping the team winning,” Benitez added.
The Madrid manager stated that he is a bit relieved that some of his players have recovered. “Yes, players like Ramos have recovered,” said Benitez. “But then a manager has to deliver with whatever he has got. He can’t be crying.”
PSG coach Laurent Blanc was pleased to come through Friday’s Ligue 1 match at Rennes with a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from former Real midfielder Angel di Maria and without sustaining any injuries to key players. But then they will be without centre-back David Luiz who is yet to recover from a knee injury.
Real and PSG drew 0-0 at the Parc des Princes last month in their first competitive game in more than 20 years and are tied on seven points from three of six matches in the Champions League pool. A win for either side would ensure a place in the last 16 should Malmo lose Tuesday at Shakhtar Donetsk.
