Soccer-Ancelotti says Real won't take risks with Benzema

MADRID - Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted the club will not rush top scorer Karim Benzema back from a muscle problem, with the forward set to miss this weekend's LaLiga trip to Villarreal.

The Frenchman has netted 17 times in 21 LaLiga outings this term for the league leaders, but he has not played since limping off in last month's 2-2 draw with Elche.

Real visit Villarreal on Saturday six points ahead of second-placed Sevilla, with Benzema remaining in Madrid to continue rehab ahead of next week's Champions League round of 16 first leg clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

"First and foremost the player's health is the most important thing. If Benzema plays (against PSG) it will be because there's no risk. We'll evaluate everything, and there's still four days to go.

"We've got a good feeling about him, but we won't make any decisions until Sunday or Monday."

One man who will be fit for the trip to Villarreal is Gareth Bale.

The Welshman has not played any football since featuring in his country's international fixtures last November, but Ancelotti has said he could well be called upon against Unai Emery's side.

"He looks ready to play, and when I do play him I'm sure he'll do what's required. People can ask me why I don't use him more often and I understand that, but he looks ready and in the last 15 days or so he's looked really sharp."

Defender Ferland Mendy also misses out, but Brazil forward Vinicius Junior returns for Real following suspension.

(Reporting by Joseph Walker; Editing by Hugh Lawson)