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Rafael Benitez: 'Competition always important'

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez welcomes the added competition in his squad as a number of first-team players prepare to return from injury.

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has insisted that he 'wants to have a selection problem' as he prepares to welcome back a number of first-team players.

Los Blancos have been hit with a number of injuries in the early part of the campaign, but the likes of Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez are both nearing a return to full fitness.

Benitez has said that rotation is always important at a top football club and is confident that he can keep players fresh using that method.

"When all my players are fit, it's up to me to explain who's playing and who isn't, but football is about what you have at any given time," Benitez told reporters.

"[Raphael] Varane, for example, has a better chance of playing if Pepe and [Sergio] Ramos don't. Rotation offers us a high level of competition. I want to have a selection problem."

Gareth Bale is still on the sidelines with a calf problem and is not expected to return to first-team training until later this month.

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Karim Benzema of Real Madrid CF celebrates after scoring during the La Liga match between Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Madrid CF at San Mames Stadium on September 23, 2015
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid32256170224881
2Barcelona32217464372770
3GironaGirona32215667402768
4Atletico MadridAtletico32194959382161
5Athletic Bilbao321610652302258
6Real Sociedad321312746341251
7Real BetisBetis32121284038248
8Valencia32138113534147
9Villarreal32119125155-442
10Getafe32913103844-640
11Osasuna32116153746-939
12Sevilla32910134145-437
13Las PalmasLas Palmas32107153039-937
14AlavesAlaves3298152838-1035
15Rayo Vallecano32713122739-1234
16Celta Vigo32710153747-1031
17Mallorca32613132638-1231
18CadizCadiz32413152245-2325
19Granada3239203361-2818
20Almeria32111203164-3314


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