Real Madrid's Karim Benzema to miss El Clasico

Karim Benzema has been ruled of Real Madrid's friendly match against El Clasico rivals Barcelona.

Los Blancos are set to begin their pre-season in the early hours of Sunday morning when they face Barcelona in Las Vegas.

However, according to Marca, Carlos Ancelotti's side will have to cope without the services of Benzema, who top-scored for the club with 44 goals in 46 games last season.

The 34-year-old was given an extended summer break by Real Madrid, and as a result, the forward missed pre-season training in Spain.

Although he has joined up with the squad in the United States, Benzema is still short of match fitness, preventing him from facing Barcelona.

Dani Carvajal is also sidelined after sustaining an ankle injury in training, which will result in Lucas Vasquez starting at right-back.

Meanwhile, summer signings Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni are both expected to make their debuts for the club in the El Clasico fixture.

After facing Barcelona, Los Blancos will meet Club America and Juventus in friendly contests before they travel to Helsinki for the UEFA Super Cup against Eintracht Frankfurt on August 10.