Benzema not included in Real Madrid squad against Juventus

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has not been included in the squad, which travels to Turin to take on Juventus tomorrow.

Benzema has missed the club’s last five matches due to a strained ligament in his right knee.

The Frenchman resumed training on Sunday morning with his teammates but manager Carlo Ancelotti has decided not to rush the striker back into the lineup. The Italian boss came to his decision holding a conversation with Benzema, who admitted he was still feeling discomfort in his knee following the training session.

The France international will remain at Valdebebas and continue his recovery while the rest of the team flies to Italy. The goal is to have Benzema fit in time to face Valencia this weekend.

Ancelotti has named his 20-man squad for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. The team is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Casillas, Keylor Navas and Pacheco.

Defenders: Varane, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrao, Carvajal, Arbeloa, Marcelo and Nacho.

Midfielders: Kroos, James, Bale, Lucas Silva, Isco and Illarramendi.

Forwards: Ronaldo, Jese and Chicharito

Programming note: Juventus vs. Real Madrid will be shown LIVE on Tuesday at 2:45pm EST on FOX Sports 1 and FoxSoccer2Go.