Karim Benzema has admitted he is sick of being subbed out by Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez.

The French striker has started but not finished six of eight Madrid matches this campaign which he indicated is causing a little bit of anxiety.

Benzema told AS: "Substitutions are what the coach decides, I'm just there to help my team-mates.

"It's true I'm fed up of being taken off. I'm calm and will continue to work so I'm not always substituted. He took me off to get a result, for defensive reasons.

"It's true that the electronic board always shows the No.9. Ask Benitez why that is."

The comments are sure to alert Arsenal who were linked with the 27-year-old throughout the entire summer transfer window but never really made a serious play for his services.

With the Gunners currently in a strong position in second spot on the Premier League table, Arsene Wenger could still go after Benzema in January if he plans to mount a serious title challenge this season.