Carlo Ancelotti allays injury fears after Karim Benzema’s knock as Real Madrid beat Valencia 2-0

Carlo Ancelotti allayed fears that injuries to Karim Benzema and Eder Militao could threaten their chances of facing Liverpool in the Champions League after they both sat out Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Valencia.

The defender appeared to be suffering from a groin injury and Benzema with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.

But the Italian coach said: ‘Benzema is nothing important. Militao’s injury is more serious. [He] He will not be available on the weekend against Mallorca.

Madrid will travel to Mallorca before playing the Club World Cup next week. The coach’s verdict bodes well for Benzema and Militao was left on the bench after being pulled off in the first half, so it is unlikely to be a long-term problem.

Madrid already trusts the players in the squad to get them through the winter months, although some of them now seem like automatic selections. Eduardo Camavinga shone again as a winger and Dani Ceballos had his name sung by the Bernabéu in the second half.

Carlo Ancelotti (right) has insisted that recent hit by Karim Benzema is ‘nothing important’

The Real coach added that Eder Militao would miss the next league game after receiving a blow in the first half

Ancelotti said: ‘Camavinga hasn’t played much in that position, but he offers a lot going on from there. He doesn’t like to play there, but we like it.

Serenaded by the home fans, Ceballos added: ‘It was emotional when they sang for me to stay. It hasn’t been easy for me to go on loan to England and then get injured when I came back.

The midfielder’s contract ends in the summer, but the local fans want him to stay.

Valencia derailed their comeback chances in the second half when Gabriel Paulista was sent off for a wild tackle on Vinicius.

Substitute coach Voro made no excuses when he said: ‘Paulista was wrong. It was a clear red card. It was a consequence of his anger. It was already difficult for us and with 10 men it was impossible.’