There was worrying news for France when Karim Benzema was again left out of the Real Madrid squad due to "muscular problems," and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted he was short of match fitness.

Benzema won't play in Madrid's last game before the World Cup against Cadiz on Thursday night, meaning he has now missed five games since October 19.

Speaking to the press in his pre-game press conference, Ancelotti insisted that neither the 34-year-old nor any of his teammates were trying to reserve themselves with one eye on the World Cup, which kicks off on November 20.

"I don't think that he has tried to avoid playing, that's ridiculous. He hasn't stopped and he has been training on his own, but the feeling isn't good and he will go to the World Cup without many minutes in his legs."

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