MX23RW : Wednesday, May 1 10:09:15| >> :60:1142:1142:

Rafael Benitez: 'Competition always important'

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez welcomes the added competition in his squad as a number of first-team players prepare to return from injury.

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has insisted that he 'wants to have a selection problem' as he prepares to welcome back a number of first-team players.

Los Blancos have been hit with a number of injuries in the early part of the campaign, but the likes of Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez are both nearing a return to full fitness.

Benitez has said that rotation is always important at a top football club and is confident that he can keep players fresh using that method.

"When all my players are fit, it's up to me to explain who's playing and who isn't, but football is about what you have at any given time," Benitez told reporters.

"[Raphael] Varane, for example, has a better chance of playing if Pepe and [Sergio] Ramos don't. Rotation offers us a high level of competition. I want to have a selection problem."

Gareth Bale is still on the sidelines with a calf problem and is not expected to return to first-team training until later this month.

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Karim Benzema of Real Madrid CF celebrates after scoring during the La Liga match between Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Madrid CF at San Mames Stadium on September 23, 2015
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid33266171224984
2Barcelona33227468392973
3GironaGirona33225669402971
4Atletico MadridAtletico33204962392364
5Athletic Bilbao331610753332058
6Real Sociedad331312846351151
7Real BetisBetis33121384139249
8Valencia33138123738-147
9Villarreal33129125455-145
10Getafe331013104145-443
11Osasuna33116163749-1239
12AlavesAlaves33108153138-738
13Sevilla33911134246-438
14Las PalmasLas Palmas33107163041-1137
15Rayo Vallecano33713132742-1534
16Mallorca33614132739-1232
17Celta Vigo33710163750-1331
18CadizCadiz33414152346-2326
19Granada3349203661-2521
RAlmeria33111213267-3514


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