Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti admits Karim Benzema may not play tonight against Elche.
Benzema failed to get on the scoresheet in the 8-2 rout at Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.
Ancelotti said: "The squad understands that there are a lot of games and that rotation is necessary. That is normal. I don't think they see it as punishment. If it were a punishment, I would tell them that beforehand. If he doesn't play tomorrow, it won't be because I'm punishing him."
'He played very well in La Coruña and he was taken off in order to give the team balance, not because he was doing badly. If he doesn't play, he'll understand that it is because of rotation. I don't judge it on whether he scores or not. I'm only concerned with the team working efficiently in attack. I don't care who scores. He has done his job very well and that is what counts."