After completing his second training session with the group on Thursday, Zinedine Zidane confirmed that Karim Benzema is in a position to play some part of the Madrid derby, but it will only be for the second 45 minutes.
The striker has not appeared in a match since November 2 against Legia and had been training away from the main group until Wednesday.
On that basis, and with a view that the game against Atletico will be an epic battle with no quarter asked or given, Zidane has taken the decision for the Frenchman to be a substitute.
Lucas Vazquez will help the midfield, also beset by injuries, and cover the marauding runs of Yannick Carrasco.
Not forgetting too that he will also help the attack with his overlapping and passing.
In addition, Lucas is more rested more than James Rodriguez who has only just returned from international duty.
