Real Madrid: Keylor Navas given all-clear to play against Barcelona

Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas has fully recovered from a groin injury and looks set to play in his first El Clasico. The Costa Rica international has been out of action for two weeks, with Real suffering their first defeat of the season against Sevilla in his absence.

A statement on the club's official website said Navas came through a full training session unscathed on 18 November. Meanwhile Karim Benzema, who has been nursing a hamstring problem, is back to fitness and is likely to play his first match in nearly two months against Barcelona. Spanish defender Sergio Ramos is carrying a shoulder niggle but should also be fine to play.

"The squad trained for the third time this week at Real Madrid City. Keylor Navas worked with the group," the Real statement read. "Sergio Ramos trained alone in the morning and Karim Benzema, who underwent a double session, completed most of the afternoon practice alongside the rest of his teammates."

'More than three points'

Navas's return is a huge boost for Real, with the shot-stopper making several crucial saves in the wins over Levante and Celta Vigo last month. Benitez is under pressure to deliver a win in his first El Clasico after he was roundly criticised by the Spanish press for Real's performance in the 3-2 defeat at Sevilla before the international break.

Meanwhile, Former Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro says his former club Real will have to "outsmart" Barcelona to beat them on 21 November. "Real Madrid look good to me. It doesn't matter if they change players or coach. Real Madrid are always Real Madrid," he was quoted as saying by Marca. "They say it's three points, but it's much more. I've lived in Dubai for four years and I've seen people go crazy to watch that match."

Luis Enrique's side top the La Liga table by three points ahead of arch rivals Real.