Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has defended Karim Benzema over his absence in recent games.

Benzema was accused of prioritising his national team ahead of his club, but Tchouameni has insisted that the No.9 was genuinely injured.

"He is used to criticism and if he didn't play the last few matches then it's because he wasn't 100 percent," the midfielder said of his club teammate.

"He is calm and understands his body well."

"He knows that he'll be able to help the team when he's ready.

"Karim is the best player in the world and has demonstrated this for some time. It's a pleasure to play in his team."