Team News: Karim Benzema starts for Real Madrid against Paris Saint-Germain

Karim Benzema has been named in the Real Madrid starting XI for Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg against Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital.

The centre-forward has recently been absent due to a hamstring problem and was seen as a major doubt for this contest last week, but he made the trip to Paris with his teammates.

Benzema has been able to prove his fitness to earn a spot in the starting XI, with the France international operating at centre-forward, with Vinicius Junior and Marco Asensio in the wide positions.

Ferland Mendy has also been battling a hamstring problem but is back in the side, while Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro, as expected, start as the midfield three.

Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and David Alaba also feature at the back for the visitors, with Nacho and Marcelo both on the bench.

Meanwhile, Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale and Rodrygo are among the attacking options on the bench for Carlo Ancelotti's side, who will be looking to secure a positive result ahead of the reverse game in Madrid.

Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius