Benzema back in Real Madrid squad

Benzema has been linked with the scandal (GETTY IMAGES)

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini is confident striker Karim Benzema is "perfectly calm" after hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week.

Benzema has been included in the squad to face Real Zaragoza this weekend amid allegations of off-the-field misdemeanours.

Pellegrini believes the 22-year-old striker is not allowing himself to be affected by the reports.

"I'm always concerned about problems which could affect my players," said Pellegrini.

"I have spoken to Benzema, he told me he has nothing to do with all this. I find him perfectly calm. All this should not affect him on the pitch."

Madrid have been boosted by the return of Kaka to the squad as they prepare for their final five games of the season.

The Brazil playmaker has been out for six weeks with a groin injury and has not featured since their Champions League exit to Lyon on March 10.

But Kaka has been given the green light for the title run-in.

Pellegrini's team are one point behind defending champions Barcelona in the Primera Division standings.