Real Madrid vs Espanyol: Los Blancos suffer injury blow to key man Karim Benzema

LaLiga giants Real Madrid will look to close the gap between them and fierce rivals FC Barcelona this weekend but without key forward Karim Benzema.

Frenchman Benzema has been ruled out of Real Madrid’s LaLiga week 25 match against RCD Espanyol slated for Saturday afternoon.

The 35-year-old has been in fine form this season for Los Blancos, scoring 11 goals in 15 matches with three assists to his name.

However, with Real Madrid playing catch in the LaLiga this season to rivals Barcelona, Los Blancos have suffered another injury blow to their star man.

The Ballon d’Or winner has been left out of the matchday squad for the crucial game against Espanyol to be played at Santiago Bernabeu later today.

Benzema was the conspicuous omission from the 24-man list released by the club ahead of the important LaLiga clash.

The striker, who played all 90 minutes in the game against Real Betis the last time, will miss Espanyol’s visit to an ankle problem.

In his absence, Carlo Ancelotti has named Eden Hazard, Asensio, Mariano and Rodrygo, who could lead the line against their visitors alongside the duo of Vinicius Junior and Asensio.