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Saturday 25 April 2015

Ancelotti: Modric out of Juve clash, Bale & Benzema could return

Carlo Ancelotti hopes injured duo Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema will recover in time for the first leg of Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Juventus on May 5, but concedes Luka Modric will likely miss both games.

All three were absent as Madrid progressed at the expense of city rivals Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, with Modric and Benzema missing due to knee injuries, while Bale was struggling with a calf problem.


However, Ancelotti says two of his lethal frontline are likely to feature as they look to compete for La Liga and European glory.

"I do not think Modric will play at the semi-finals. Perhaps he will return for the final league game against Getafe," the Italian said.

"Benzema could be back in time for the first leg against Juventus and Gareth Bale in time for the game with Sevilla on May 2."

Ancelotti opted to play Sergio Ramos in midfield during Wednesday's 1-0 win over Atleti, with Isco enjoying a rare start alongside him.

Javier Hernandez seized a rare opportunity amid Real's injury crisis by scoring the winner and Ancelotti has urged other fringe players to follow the Mexican's example.

Asked about the unhappiness of certain players in his squad, Ancelotti added: "Isco, Nacho, Hernandez - this is normal in football. Players want to play.

"The good thing is, Isco's unhappy but when he plays he plays well. They train hard and play hard when picked.

"Hernandez has been very professional, as have all the players who haven't played regularly.
"It's healthy for the squad to have players who work hard and want to play.

"Hernandez is a great example, showing his team and team-mates who has worked very hard and made the most of his opportunity."

Real Madrid, who vist Celta Vigo on Sunday, sit two points behind Barcelona at the top of the table ahead of this weekend's Liga fixtures.

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