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Rafael Benitez: 'Competition always important'

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez welcomes the added competition in his squad as a number of first-team players prepare to return from injury.

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has insisted that he 'wants to have a selection problem' as he prepares to welcome back a number of first-team players.

Los Blancos have been hit with a number of injuries in the early part of the campaign, but the likes of Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez are both nearing a return to full fitness.

Benitez has said that rotation is always important at a top football club and is confident that he can keep players fresh using that method.

"When all my players are fit, it's up to me to explain who's playing and who isn't, but football is about what you have at any given time," Benitez told reporters.

"[Raphael] Varane, for example, has a better chance of playing if Pepe and [Sergio] Ramos don't. Rotation offers us a high level of competition. I want to have a selection problem."

Gareth Bale is still on the sidelines with a calf problem and is not expected to return to first-team training until later this month.

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Karim Benzema of Real Madrid CF celebrates after scoring during the La Liga match between Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Madrid CF at San Mames Stadium on September 23, 2015
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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