Zinedine Zidane was back in front of the assorted media in Real Madrid's Valdebebas training facility, and as well as answering questions about Sunday's LaLiga game against Rayo Vallecano, he also had to respond to a variety of enquiries about potential new signings.

Zidane without Benzema and Vinicius

One of the shining lights on a very poor season for Los Blancos has been the improved goal-scoring record of Karim Benzema - one that was predicted to improve once Cristiano Ronaldo had departed. The club has confirmed that the French striker would need time to recover (not clarifying how much) and the manager gave an update on another player who will miss this match.

"We know Karim will not be there but we are going to put out a team to try to win," he said, before adding. "Vinicius will not be with us tomorrow. He still needs another week of work, after being out injured for two months."

Karim Benzema out for Madrid. Rubén Albarrán (PRESSINPHOTO/GTRES)

There were also enquiries from local journalists about another striker, Raul de Tomas, who is currently impressing while out on loan with tomorrow's opponents Rayo. Real Madrid have indicated that as part of the loan deal he cannot be play against his parent company, and Zidane was asked about it.

"This is a question for the clubs, Rayo and Madrid, and their agreement has to be respected."

Bale and Hazard playing together

Much of the interest from those sitting in front of Zidane was about the rebuilding plan for next year, something that he said he was clear about. "I know what I want to do for next season, the players, the profiles... We are working on it but still have four games left to play. Then we can see."

After stating that Gareth Bale was "a player in the squad that has had playing time with me...and would get more minutes," Zidane also said regarding the Welshman's future: "We will see what happens in the end, however, I cannot say what Gareth should do."

Bale training. JUAN AGUADO (DIARIO AS)

That point was followed with a weighted question: could Bale and Eden Hazard, expected to move to Madrid in the summer, play in the same side together?

"Any good players can play together. Do you remember when people said that I couldn't play with [Youri] Djorkaeff? It's crazy!"

Madrid the dream maker

Regarding his plan, Zidane assured fans that they were working to have more strength in attack for the upcoming season, although couldn't confirm what that would look like. He did, however, make a general point about the club regarding the likes of Neymar and Hazard joining.

"At Real Madrid, many players' dreams are fulfilled. Many want to one day play for this club, it's normal. We will see what happens."