Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez has a full squad available, including forward Karim Benzema, for today’s La Liga ‘Clasico’ at home to Barcelona.

Real surrendered top spot to their arch rivals when they were beaten 3-2 at Sevilla in their last outing and defeat to the champions would leave them six points adrift after 12 matches.

Benzema, one of several key players to have been sidelined in recent months, has missed four domestic league games and two Champions League matches.

Benitez told a news conference yesterday Benzema was in the squad and a decision on his participation would be taken today.

Centre-back and captain Sergio Ramos, who has been struggling with a shoulder injury, would definitely play, Benitez added.

The former Valencia, Liverpool, Chelsea, Inter and Napoli manager was also quizzed about Benzema’s mental state following last week’s attacks in Paris and his implication in a blackmail probe.

The 27-year-old was put under formal judicial investigation this month in connection with an alleged attempt to blackmail Lyon forward Mathieu Valbuena with the use of a sex video.

“We’ll talk to him and assess how he is in every sense and decide what is best for us and him,” Benitez said.

Real’s Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been off colour in recent weeks and Benitez said he was sure the FIFA Ballon d’Or holder would be back on song soon.

“Cristiano is a fundamental player,” Benitez, who will take charge of his first ‘Clasico’ at the Bernabeu, told reporters.

Primera Liga

Playing today
R. Sociedad vs Sevilla - 16.00
Real Madrid vs Barcelona - 18.15
Espanyol vs Malaga - 20.30
Valencia vs Las Palmas - 22.00
Deportivo vs Celta Vigo - 22.05

Tomorrow
S. Gijon vs Levante - 12.00
Villarreal vs Eibar - 16.00
Granada vs A. Bilbao - 18.15
R. Betis vs Atletico Madrid - 20.30

Monday
Getafe vs R. Vallecano - 20.30

Leading standings: Barcelona 27; R. Madrid 24; Atl. Madrid 23; Celta Vigo 21; Villarreal 20; Eibar 19; Valencia 18; A. Bilbao 17; Deportivo 15.