Team News: Karim Benzema misses out for Real Madrid

Karim Benzema has been left out of Real Madrid's squad for their opening fixture of the La Liga season this evening.

The Arsenal-linked forward was an injury doubt for Los Blancos after sitting out their final training session earlier this week, and he will play no part against Sporting Gijon.

There is only room for a place on the bench for James Rodriguez and summer signing Mateo Kovacic, meanwhile, with big guns Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale fielded in attack.

Jese will lead the line in Rafael Benitez's first competitive game at the helm, against a Gijon side with one win in their last 12 against Madrid.

Sporting Gijon: Cuellar; Lora, Luis Hernandez, Bernardo, Isma Lopez; Sergio Alvarez, Nacho Cases; Carmona, Sanabria, Jony; Guerrero

Real Madrid: Navas; Danilo, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Isco, Bale, Ronaldo; Jese Subs: Cassila, Pepe, Nacho, James, Casemiro, Carvajal, Kovacic