Zinedine Zidane hopeful of Karim Benzema return for Real Madrid clash with Atletico but will take no risks with 'special player'

French striker back in full training before Sunday's match at Wanda Metropolitano

epa08886481 Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring his second goal during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Real Madrid and Athletic Club de Bilbao at Alfredo Di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, 15 December 2020. EPA/JUANJO MARTINShow less

Real Madrid were hopeful that Karim Benzema will return in Sunday's derby battle with Atletico Madrid, although manager Zinedine Zidane said they will take no risks with their key forward.

The striker has missed Real 's last three games with a groin injury and Zidane is confident the Frenchman can play some role at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Benzema, who has scored 12 goals in La Liga this season, trained on Thursday and Friday before the match, which could prove crucial in the Spanish title race.

"We are not going to risk anything," Zidane said. "If there is a doubt, I don't like it, because you can do more damage and the players that are going to play must always be 100 per cent.

"We know what Karim is. Not just the matter of goals. He is an important player for us in our system and especially when we have the ball.

"He is special. What he does on the field ... For people who like football, Benzema is a joy for football; for me, having him as a coach is a joy.

"He has been here for 10 years and has improved a lot. He is a fundamental player for us, for our team. He is a special player for all football fans, not just Madrid."

Real have been unable to score more than once in any of the last three games without Benzema, despite creating plenty of chances in a 1-1 draw at home to Real Sociedad on Monday.

Their slip against Real Sociedad leaves Madrid five points behind Atletico, having played a game more, meaning defeat this weekend could give Zidane's side too big a gap to close.

But Zidane insisted: "Whatever happens, we will stay alive in La Liga. We are focused on playing a good game and nothing else. If we play well, that is the most important thing for us."

________________________________________________________________

Gallery: Real 2 Atletico 0

Casemiro celebrates after scoring Real Madrid's opening goal in the their 2-0 La Liga win over Altetico Madrid on December 13, 2020. AFP

Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal celebrates with teammates after Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak scored an own goal. Reuters

Real French forward Karim Benzema. AFP

Real Dani Carvajal, left, celebrates the second goal. AP

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone. Reuters

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. AFP

Real Madrid players celebrate Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak's own goal. AFP

Real Madrid's Spanish defender Dani Carvajal celebrates. AFP

Casemiro, left, celebrates his goal. AFP

________________________________________________________________

Sergio Ramos is missing with a knee injury while back-up striker Mariano Diaz is also out with a problem in his pelvis.

Eden Hazard is still unavailable due to a thigh strain, although Zidane insisted there has been no set back in his recovery.

"There is no relapse. We want him to be 100 per cent when he can return," said Zidane. "This is what he is doing, little by little, without haste.

"We know how important he is in our team, but we have to go with how he feels. It is important that, when he returns, he feels strong and 100 per cent."

Atletico will have right back Kieran Trippier back for the first time since January after he completed a ban for violating betting rules in England, and manager Diego Simeone said his return would bring more dynamism to his side.

"He has been training this whole time and as you can imagine for a player who has trained and could not play, he is really looking forward to it," Simeone said.