Madrid : Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the 19-man squad for the upcoming La Liga clash against Malaga due to back trouble.
The 28-year-old has contributed a total of 19 goals in his 19 league appearances for Madrid since the beginning of the campaign.
Besides Benzema, midfielder Gareth Bale and defender Pepe will also remain sidelined due to injury,goal.com reported.
Nacho is all set to partner Sergio Ramos in central defence, while Raphael Varane will miss the match because of suspension.
The Zinedine Zidane-led side are currently third in standings and are 10 points adrift of leaders Barcelona.
The two sides will lock horns on Sunday at La Rosaleda Stadium.
Real Madrid squad against Malaga is as follows:
Keylor Navas, Casilla, Ruben Yanez, Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo, Carvajal, Arbeloa, Danilo, Kroos, James, Casemiro, Kovacic, Modric, Isco, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lucas Vazquez, Jese, Borja Mayoral.(ANI)