Manchester City's Gael Clichy admits the absence of Karim Benzema is no small loss for Real Madrid.

The French striker has been ruled out of Wednesday night's Champions League semi-final second leg with a hamstring injury and although his fellow countryman is aware it will be a large vacancy to fill, he suggests Zinedine Zidane has the players at his disposal capable of doing so.

"Karim is a very important player for Real Madrid, he's the bridge between Cristiano and midfield," said left-back Clichy.

"If he's not playing that can only be good for us but a side like Madrid can replace him with another equally good player.

"It's a shame that he'll miss the match, but we're confronting the game with or without him."

City and Real played out a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium last week, setting up a tantalising finish at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the winner to meet Atletico Madrid in the May 28 final in Milan.