MADRID: Karim Benzema has the “total support” of Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez after being placed under police investigation.

The striker, who denies wrongdoing, is under investigation back in France in connection  with a sex tape blackmail plot involving France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

Both he and Lyon midfielder Valbuena, 31, have been omitted by national manager Didier Deschamps from the France squad for friendlies against England and Germany this month.

Benzema will not face Sevilla on Sunday in La Liga as he has a thigh injury.

Benitez said: “I have spoken to him but as he is not going to play I don’t want to talk too much about it.

“I hope he gets fit quickly and can get back to enjoying playing on the pitch.

“He is in the final part of his recovery and we have decided to leave him out so that he can be 100% and return fresh. He is in good spirits.”

Benzema, 27, injured his hamstring playing for France last month and has missed the last five matches for Real.

###########