Real Madrid are reportedly keeping Karim Benzema and Ferland Mendy 'wrapped in cotton wool' ahead of next week's Champions League last-16 first leg with Paris Saint-Germain.

Benzema missed out against Granada in La Liga on February 6 due to a thigh problem, while Mendy was absent due to a muscular issue.

According to Marca, Benzema and Mendy are still working away from the main group, so the pair are major doubts for this weekend's league contest with Villarreal.

The report claims that the duo could return to first-team training before the end of the week, but Los Blancos will not take any chances when it comes to their fitness.

As a result, it is alleged that the two players could again be absent against Villarreal on Saturday with a view to making their returns against PSG in the Champions League on February 15.

Benzema has scored 24 goals and registered nine assists in 28 appearances for Los Blancos this season, while Mendy has netted once and provided two assists in 21 outings for Carlo Ancelotti's side.