Benzema, Ramos, Navas in Real Madrid's squad for El Clasico

Blackmail scandals and injuries be damned.

Speaking at a press conference, manager Rafa Benitez announced that Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, and Keylor Navas will all be available for selection when Real Madrid and Barcelona renew their eternal rivalry at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

Karim Benzema

Benzema hasn't featured for Real Madrid since he suffered a hamstring strain on international duty in early October. The French forward is also embroiled in a blackmail scandal, involving a sex tape that reportedly features international teammate Mathieu Valbuena, being put under formal judicial investigation in connection with the extortion case.

Related: Karim Benzema to take legal action against radio station amid blackmail scandal

"Benzema is in the squad, he trained well and is part of the group," Benitez said. "We still have to decide whether he starts or not, but he's part of the group. We'll assess how he feels in every respect and make a decision over whether or not he's in the team."

Sergio Ramos

Ramos, who has started in all 20 editions of El Clasico in La Liga over the past decade, has been struggling with a shoulder injury that was picked up in Real Madrid's 4-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League back in September and that was aggravated in the club's 3-2 defeat at Sevilla earlier this month. Reports say Ramos may undergo surgery after El Clasico.

Related - VIDEO: Sergio Ramos thanks fans for support after injury shoulder

"Sergio will play and will be absolutely fine," Benitez said. "He's the captain he has to be there."

Keylor Navas

Navas, making a case for being the planet's second-top 'keeper this season, did not feature in Costa Rica's 2018 World Cup qualifiers this month because of an adductor muscle injury, and he also missed Real Madrid's defeat at Sevilla.

"Keylor is getting over his fitness issues, he's in good shape and in principle I'm optimistic," Benitez said.