Rafael Benitez names Real Madrid squad

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has named just five defenders in his squad for Wednesday's Champions League Group A match away to Malmo.

Los Blancos have been hit with a number of injuries in the early part of the season, with Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez among their forward options that are still unavailable.

However, Pepe, Sergio Ramos and Danilo are also all on the sidelines, leaving Benitez with a shortage of defenders for the European fixture.

Jese Rodriguez has been included despite picking up a knock against Malaga at the weekend, while there is also a spot for 18-year-old forward Borja Mayoral.

Full squad

Goalkeepers: Navas, Casilla, Yanez

Defenders: Varane, Nacho, Marcelo, Carvajal, Arbeloa

Midfielders: Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Kovacic, Isco, Cheryshev, Llorente

Forwards: Ronaldo, Benzema, Vazquez, Jese, Mayoral

Real Madrid opened their Group A campaign with a 4-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk last time out.