THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MADRID, Spain — Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain will miss the Spanish leader’s Champions League match at Ajax because of a back injury.
Madrid says on its website the Argentina striker has lower back pain and has been ruled out of Tuesday’s match. Higuain’s absence means France striker Karim Benzema is likely to get a rare start.
Madrid will also be without Sami Khedira at the Amsterdam Arena after the Germany midfielder hurt his right leg in Saturday’s 5-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.
Higuain has seven league goals and two in the Champions League this season.
Madrid tops Group G and is already clinched a spot in the knockout stage. The nine-time champion will want Higuain rested for next Monday’s "clasico" against Spanish rival Barcelona.