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Zidane confirms James Rodriguez's return ahead of Champions League tilt

Reuters

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane confirmed Monday that James Rodriguez has recovered from his calf injury and is available for selection during Tuesday's Champions League match against Legia Warsaw.

The Colombia international was ruled out for a pair of World Cup qualifiers despite travelling to South America and now makes his return, giving Zidane a few questions to think about in midfield.

"He feels good, he is better now," Zidane said, as quoted by ESPN FC. "Today was his first full training session back. He has no more issues and is physically recovered. He stayed at the end taking free kicks. So he is fine now."

While James' return will be welcome news to the Real Madrid camp, it casts further doubts as to the role Isco will have, if any, for the team's next two Champions League tilts against the Polish outfit.

Isco scored a pair of goals in Real Madrid's recent 6-1 thrashing of Real Betis but that does not necessarily assure him a starting role in Zidane's team for Legia Warsaw.

Still, Zidane backed the Spanish midfielder, nonetheless.

"Isco is another important player for us," Zidane said. "You (the media) focus on him. He is working hard, the same as always. He knows where he is, how difficult it is to play all the time. I am happy with his goals, his performance, what he did. I like him as a player."

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