Ancelotti: "I hope Casillas stays with us"

Carlo Ancelotti commented on Casillas's revelation that he may be ready to leave "in three months' time" if things do not change: "He's a great goalkeeper, very professional, he helps the team even when he's not playing. He's a captain. I hope Casillas stays with us".

The manager assured that "Bale is available for tomorrow" and that "the only problem we have is Varane, who won't be able to play, although I hope he'll be ok for Wednesday". The coach is not surprised the French player is still struggling with his injury. "He was out for four months and we have to tread carefully as he's very important for us. It's pretty normal for his knee to flare up".

Still on the subject of fitness issues, he added that "Benzema has a bruised calf muscle; he didn't train today, but he's on the match list. We'll make a decision tomorrow".

"The players have come back from international duty in good shape, there aren't any problems. We have an important week ahead with Málaga, Juventus and Barcelona and the team is focused on trying to win", Ancelotti continued.

He went on to say that he had not spoken to Casillas, but that he will do so in private. "He's a great goalkeeper, very professional, he gets on with the job in hand, which is helping the team even when he's not playing. He's a true team captain".

"We need to talk to Iker, but it will be a private conversation. He hasn't said anything to me. He seems alright to me. I can't say he's happy, because it's normal he wants to play, but there's nothing unusual in the way he's behaving".