Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has described Karim Benzema
as an "excellent person" after another troubled week for the France
international.
Benzema was suspended Thursday from national team duty by
the French Football Federation, pending the outcome of a legal investigation
into a sex-tape plot against Les Bleus teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
The 27-year-old has been charged with complicity in an
attempt to blackmail and participating in a criminal conspiracy. He denies the
charges.
Despite his off-field troubles, Benzema has had a wonderful
week on it, netting twice in the 4-1 victory against Getafe last weekend and
then grabbing a hat trick in the 8-0 midweek Champions League mauling of Malmo.
And Benitez has backed the former Lyon man to come through
his current problems.
"What concerns me in the France suspension is Karim, we
support him 100 percent. He's an excellent person and an essential player for
us," Benitez said during a news conference ahead of Sunday's trip to
Villarreal.
Gareth Bale was rested against Malmo, but the Welshman will
return at El Madrigal alongside Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. Central defender
Sergio Ramos is also in line to make his comeback following a shoulder injury.
"The BBC is fundamental to us," added Benitez.
"Bale has contributed since his arrival, giving us goals and assists. He
provides more assists than anyone."
Much has been made of apparent discord in the Madrid
dressing room under Benitez, but Ronaldo this week backed the former Inter and
Liverpool boss, stating he was doing a "great job" and talking up
their personal relationship.
Benitez said: "The atmosphere in the dressing room is
very good, everybody gets on, people insist that things aren't good, but I
insist that they are."
Madrid starts the weekend in third place in La Liga, four
points behind leader Barcelona.
Villarreal is two places and six points behind Madrid, and
Benitez is not expecting an easy game.
"The team reacted well after the Clasico defeat against
teams from a certain level," he said. "Villarreal is a litmus test
for us because they have a good side with a great coach."
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