Karim Benzema’s ankle injury is not serious and the Real Madrid forward could be in line to feature in their Champions League last-16 second leg against Liverpool next Wednesday.

Benzema, 35, took a knock during Real’s goalless draw with Real Betis on Sunday and has been training indoors since.

The Frenchman may even feature this Saturday against Espanyol if he is deemed fit enough to return to team training on Friday.

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However, Benzema and head coach Carlo Ancelotti do not want to take risks with the injury, given the striker’s importance to the team.

David Alaba and Ferland Mendy, meanwhile, will not be available for the visit of Espanyol. Alaba is working on his own, while Mendy is in group training but is still recovering from a thigh injury he sustained in January.

Mariano Diaz is another who has been working indoors and could also play a part on Saturday if he returns to full training on Friday.

Real are second in La Liga, nine points behind leaders Barcelona.

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(Photo: Getty Images)