Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed any fitness concerns regarding Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema.
The 35-year-old has been no stranger to injury issues this campaign, most notably missing the World Cup with France due to a thigh problem.
Benzema has been restricted to a total of 15 starts and one substitute outing in La Liga and the Champions League this season, contributing nine goals.
However, the veteran has not left the Los Blancos starting lineup since the turn of the year, completing the 90 minutes on seven separate occasions in January.
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That run came to an end on Thursday evening as Benzema was forced to be withdrawn on the hour mark during the 2-0 victory over Valencia.
Benzema had just chipped in with both assists as Real took control against Los Che, but he was replaced by Rodrygo shortly afterwards.
On the back of Eder Militao also being substituted in the first half, Ancelotti was naturally quizzed on their respective issues with important matches scheduled for the coming weeks.
Nevertheless, less than three weeks before Real make the trip to face Liverpool in the Champions League, the Italian hinted that Benzema would be available for selection.
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Speaking to reporters after Thursday's fixture, Ancelotti said: "Benzema is something very light, but Militao is not going to recover for Sunday."
Benzema will seemingly be assessed before it is determined whether he can feature in the squad for the trip to Mallorca, that game taking place on February 5.
Real then face fixtures with Elche and Osasuna before they square off versus Liverpool in the first leg of their last-16 tie on February 21.
As Real reached the halfway point of their domestic campaign on Thursday, they now sit five points adrift of leaders Barcelona in the standings.
Darren Plant
