Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says Karim Benzema is ready to face Real Valladolid on Friday.

Released by France before the World Cup, Ancelotti says the Ballon d'Or winner was fit to play on December 10.

“He returned on 10 December. He wasn't too bad when he came back and he began training with the team," said Ancelotti.

"He played 30 minutes in the first friendly and 45 in the second. He's feeling good and is looking forward to returning. He's going to show his quality because that's what he's done in training these days."

“It's not for me to talk about France's decision. They assessed Karim at the time and for them he wasn't fit for the World Cup. For us, we've got a player back who is highly motivated and ready. I'm sure he's going to do well in the second half of the season."