Isco free to leave Real Madrid in January as he slips out of Zidane's plans

Isco could be experiencing his final weeks as a Real Madrid player. After being left out of Zinedine Zidane's squad for Wednesday's Champions League game against Sporting Club, the midfielder seems to have taken the decision to look for an exit in January. And Madrid, keeping in mind the player's not been important under Zidane, are ready to sell. 

A supposed problem with his ankle was given as the reason he missed out on the 2-1 win at the Bernabeu. But physical problems are just an excuse. Because Isco's presence on the pitch has diminished drastically since the French coach took over in January. With Rafa Benitez, he played 62 per cent of minutes available to him; with Carlo Ancelotti it was 65 per cent; but with Zidane it's just 47 per cent. 

This season he's only started the European Super Cup against Sevilla. And that was due to a number of absences and a lack of options. He has been left out of the squad for two games running now. It is clear that the coach prefers Mateo Kovacic and even James Rodriguez. Isco's future is more black than white. Very black.