Football
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Real Madrid leave Karim Benzema out of squad to face Juventus

Real Madrid have left Karim Benzema off their Champions League squad to face Juventus on Tuesday after the striker failed to return to fitness.

Benzema injured ligaments in his right knee during the first leg of Real's quarterfinal last month, and although he returned to training in an attempt to play in the semifinal Carlo Ancelotti has left him out of the team that will travel to Italy.

"It's not the last game of the year and I'm not going to risk anyone," Ancelotti said, according to AS.

After suffering the injury on April 14, Benzema travelled to his native France for treatment. He returned to train with teammates on Sunday, but ultimately the 27-year-old felt too much pain in his knee to face Juventus.

The decision to leave Benzema at home was made easier by Gareth Bale's recent return to fitness. The Welshman returned from two weeks on the sideline with a calf injury and played as a substitute in Real's 3-2 win over Sevilla on Saturday.

Luka Modric remains out with a right knee sprain.

The full squad:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Keylor Navas, Fernando Pacheco.

Defenders: Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Arbeloa, Marcelo, Nacho Monreal.

Midfielders: Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale, Lucas Silva, Isco and Asier Illarramendi.

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Jese, Javier Hernandez.

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