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REAL MADRID

Isco must take his massive opportunity against Betis

An injury plagued Real Madrid has opened the doors for Isco to return to the starting line-up. However, he will have to take his opportunity against Betis, or face the consequences...

Update:
Isco must take his massive opportunity against Betis
JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELADIARIO AS

Betis – Real Madrid live

There’s something which hasn’t really changed much for Zidane since the new season began: selection headaches. As the Frenchman admitted after the victory in Anoeta at the start of the campaign, choosing a line-up is like having a migraine. However, with Real Betis on the horizon this Saturday, the motive for his dilemma is a little different. Whereas before Zidane had almost a full squad to pick from, now his options have been severely reduced owing to a string of injuries. Nevertheless, what is Zidane’s problem is Isco’s opportunity.

Isco with fourth lowest amount of minutes in squad 

Isco v Eibar
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Isco v Eibar

Due to the injury he suffered himself at the end of August, as well as the apparent loss in confidence from Zidane in the Malagan’s consistency, Isco stands as the player with the fourth lowest amount of minutes (207) in the whole squad this season, with only Mariano (13) – who the club want to send out on loan in January, Coentrao (0) – who continues to have his setbacks, and third goaljeeper Yáñez (0) having played less.

But with the crocked Casemiro, Modric and James all unable to play against Betis, Isco has found a route back into the starting line-up. The attacking midfielder – who played for Spain this week – though will still have to fight for his place in the 11 on Saturday, with Kovacic, Asensio and Vazquez, all having played in front of him recently.

Another chance to stake his claim 

Isco, then, is set for another chance to stake his claim, this time away from the Bernabéu, and will have to grab it with both arms: something he didn’t do against Eibar (which was the first and only time he’s started this season).

Alternative destinations for Isco, being a player of the quality he is, will always be available, but opportunities to stay, Real Madrid being the demanding club it is, not so much…

Minutes per player*

Sergio Ramos 1.190 Varane 1.066 Carvajal 972 Bale 933 Kroos 925 Casilla 750 Marcelo 705 Cristiano 678 Modric 636 Kovacic 631 Pepe 612 Casemiro 589 Asensio 547 Morata 530 James 496 Benzema 460 Danilo 360 Lucas Vázquez 334 Nacho 294 Keylor Navas 270 Isco 207 Mariano 13 Rubén Yáñez 0 Coentrao 0 *Including international matches