Real Madrid will be without French striker Karim Benzema as they aim to avoid a fatal blow to their La Liga title hopes away at Malaga on Sunday.

Benzema wasn't included in Zinedine Zidane's 19-man squad for the trip to Andalusia, with Madrid sports daily AS reporting the 28-year-old is suffering with a hip injury.

Real lie 10 points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona in third after the European champions won 2-1 at Las Palmas on Saturday.

Gareth Bale is again absent due to a calf injury, whilst Nacho is set to partner Sergio Ramos in central defence as Pepe misses out through injury and Raphael Varane is suspended.