Real Madrid can return to the top of La Liga with a win over Girona on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Spanish club suffered their first defeat of the season in midweek, losing 3-2 away to RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League.
The outcome of the match may well have been different if they had their star striker, with Benzema absent for the second match in a row through injury.
While it has been a strong start to the season for the Frenchman, he has had some fitness issues since injury forced him off against Celtic in early September, struggling with muscle fatigue.
It was hoped that he’d return against Girona, but Ancelotti has now confirmed that his striker isn’t yet ready to play.
“We did tests and it all went well, so he doesn’t have a problem, but he doesn’t feel comfortable yet,” the manager said.
“We need to keep in mind the player’s feeling. He still doesn’t feel 100 percent.”
On the bright side, Ancelotti will have every other player available to choose from. Luka Modric missed the midweek match against RB Leipzig but has returned to training and will be fit to play, as will fellow midfielder Dani Ceballos, who hasn’t played in almost a month.
“After losing to RB Leipzig, we want to win this one,” Ancelotti stated.
“Karim Benzema won’t be back in time, but we do have Luka Modrić, Dani Ceballos, Fede Valverde, Mariano and Rodrygo, who had a small issue but who’ll be available tomorrow.”
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