Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos expected to be fit for Barcelona clash | OneFootball

Real Madrid duo Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos are expected to feature in this weekend’s El Clasico, reports The Athletic.

After netting the winning goal against Liverpool in the Champions League last night, Benzema appeared to pick up a knock. He was substituted for Rodrygo just moments later.

Shortly afterwards, Kroos was also brought off for Aurelien Tchouameni. Later on, he was spotted with ice around his right thigh.

Naturally, this caused some concern among the Real Madrid fans. On Sunday, they face bitter rivals Barcelona in a potentially decisive match.

However, recent reports suggest that they have little to worry about. According to The Athletic, the pair will both be fit for the trip to the Camp Nou.

Benzema is currently the joint-top scorer for Los Blancos this term in all competitions with 19, level with Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior. Meanwhile, Kroos continues to be a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s side, featuring 36 times this season.

The fixture is a must-win for the 14-time European champions. They currently sit nine points behind Barcelona in La Liga with just 13 games remaining. If they lose, it will likely be the end of their title hopes.

In the reverse fixture, Real Madrid claimed a 3-1 victory at the Bernabeu thanks to goals by Benzema, Federico Valverde, and Rodrygo. However, they also played the Catalan giants in the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana, losing on both occasions.

David Alaba remains the only confirmed absentee from Ancelotti’s squad. The former Bayern Munich defender went off early in the first leg of their Champions League tie against Bayern Munich, and has not featured since.