Karim Benzema 'has a 40% chance of playing in El Clasico'

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema reportedly has a '40% chance' of being available for Sunday's La Liga contest with Barcelona at Bernabeu.

The France international has been in strong form for Los Blancos during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring 32 times and registering 13 assists in 34 appearances in all competitions.

Benzema picked up a calf issue in Monday's league clash with Mallorca, though, and has therefore emerged as a doubt for El Clasico this weekend.

According to Marca, the experienced striker has a '40% chance' of being available, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti will not select him unless he is fully fit.

The report claims that Ancelotti is not prepared to take any risks ahead of a Champions League quarter-final with Chelsea next month, as Real Madrid are 10 points clear of second-placed Sevilla and 15 clear of third-placed Barcelona at the top of the table.

The 34-year-old's injury is said to be 'minor', with Los Blancos not fearful over his fitness, but he will not face Barcelona unless he is cleared by the club's medical staff.

Benzema has netted 22 times and registered 11 assists in 25 La Liga appearances this term.