Benzema keeps on improving and Thursday will be key

The Real Madrid coaching staff are optimistic over Karim Benzema. His recovery is good and this Wednesday he headed to the Alfredo di Stefano stadium together with the rest of the injured players. He continued with his recovery and he could well play the derby. 

During Wednesday's training session, the French striker completed several training drills and he did not feel any injury despite working at a quicker tempo. He is gradually upping the intensity to know what points he is in his recovery. 

The key will be what happens this Thursday. According to 'AS', Real Madrid hope that Karim Benzema rejoins the rest of the group on Thursday. If he keeps up with the tempo, he will have had three sessions before facing Atletico. 

Zinedine Zidane does not want to take the slightest risk with Benzema's small tear. If it got worse, it would be disastrous. Zinedine Zidane would rather be without the Frenchman for a fourth game if that meant he were 100%. 

The coach will definitely have Eder Militao available. Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard and Dani Carvajal were also available. Ramos is hoping to play against Atalanta, Hazard has to get match fitness while Carvajal is still some time off a return.