Rafa Benitez's side were hampered by a series of injuries before the international break but the return of the France international striker will give them a lift

While Barcelona have been sweating over the availability of Lionel Messi, Real Madrid have faced their own fitness issues ahead of Saturday's Clasico.

Karim Benzema has been Rafa Benitez's primary concern as the striker has not played in a competitive match since France's 4-0 win over Armenia on October 8 due to a hamstring problem.

The 27-year-old, who was taken into police custody earlier this month for questioning about his alleged involvement in the Mathieu Valbuena sex-tape blackmail case, has scored four goals in his last three home games against Madrid and also holds the record for the fastest goal ever to be scored in a Clasico with his strike after 22 seconds in 2011.

Rafael Benitez confirmed on Friday that Benzema is back in the squad to face Barca although he has not given any clues as to whether the former Lyon star will appear from the start.