With Luka Modric and Casemiro sidelined and James Rodriguez not ready, the 24-year-old came in for a rare start in Andalucia and scored twice at the Benito Villamarin. And now he is set to be rewarded with another start in the Champions League clash at home to Legia Warsaw on Tuesday.
“Isco is important,” Zidane said on Monday in the pre-match press conference. “He has been working hard all along. I’m happy with his goals and with everything he is giving us.”
James is available again, but looks likely to start on the bench as Zidane revealed the Colombian has only completed one training session since recovering from injury.
“He feels good, he’s better,” the Frenchman said. “But this was his first complete session with the team. He stayed at the end practicing free kicks. I think he is good.”
Toni Kroos, so impressive against Betis, will operate in a deeper role, with Marco Asensio or Lucas Vazquez in contention to start alongside the German in midfield.
In defense, Sergio Ramos remains sidelined, but Marcelo made his comeback from injury at the weekend and will start, with Danilo on the opposite flank. Elsewhere, Raphael Varane will partner Pepe in the center as Keylor Navas continues in goal.
And in attack, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema will all be in the team as Los Blancos look to return to winning ways in the continental competition after the recent 2-2 draw at Borussia Dortmund.
Legia Warsaw is bottom of Group F, having lost both of its games so far.
