Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is struggling to make Thursday's clash with Cadiz.

Benzema hasn't been available for selection for some time now and there looks to be very little hope of him playing for Real Madrid before the World Cup. Prior to Monday's defeat to Rayo Vallecano, Carlo Ancleotti was optimistic when speaking about the Frenchman's fitness and, although he ruled him out of the game in Vallecas, had stated that he would available for Thursday's clash with Girona: “Benzema isn't going to play against Rayo because he wasn't feeling right. He trained on Friday and seemed to be OK but then suffered a little setback. He'll be involved against Cádiz, though."

The situation, however, has changed after Tuesday's training session. Benzema didn't join in with the rest of his teammates and instead did some gym work, making him a serious doubt for the visit of Cádiz.

Antonio Rüdiger, meanwhile, has again been ruled out by the hip injury which prevented him from taking to the field in Monday night's loss. These are the first two games of the season that the German international has missed.