Benzema to miss Liga opener while Arsenal try to complete his signing

Karim Benzema will not be available for Real Madrid's Liga BBVA debut against Sporting Gijón on August 23rd. The French striker picked up a leg injury last week and this will keep him out for the next three weeks, meaning that he could return to the pitch on Real Madrid's first home game against Betis.

Meanwhile, Arsenal still believe they can sign Benzema. The London-based club made him their top priority for this summer's transfer window, and although neither Benzema nor Madrid want to part ways, Wenger believes he can convince Benzema of joining their club.

With the French out for the first Liga game, Jesé Rodríguez appears to be set to start as his replacement unless Benitez decides to play Cristiano Ronaldo as the striker in order to give James and Isco another chance to play together. Jesé has impressed this pre-season as Benzema's replacement, so it would be a surprise to see him on the bench if Benzema isn't available.