AFP,  MADRID: Real Madrid are expected to be without striker Karim Benzema for their tricky trip to Sevilla on Sunday after he was charged in an extortion case in his homeland involving a sex tape featuring fellow French international Mathieu Valbuena.
Benzema returned to Madrid on Thursday after spending Wednesday night in custody in Versailles, on the outskirts of Paris. The 27-year-old hasn't featured for Madrid since injuring his hamstring on international duty a month ago and is unlikely to be rushed back into action after a momentous week off the field.
In brighter news for Madrid boss Rafael Benitez, Gareth Bale could make his return after a three-week layoff with a calf problem as he trained along with the rest of the squad on Thursday.
James Rodriguez is also expected to make his first appearance in two months after he returned to the squad but was an unused substitute in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain. Benitez's men were heavily criticised for their display against the French champions despite sealing their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Moreover, they suffered another injury setback as Marcelo hobbled off with a thigh problem that has ruled him out of the trip to the Sanchez Pizjuan.