Team News: James Rodriguez drops out for Real Madrid

James Rodriguez has been left out of the Real Madrid starting lineup for today's La Liga clash away at Malaga.

As well as the Colombian, the injured Karim Benzema does not feature at La Rosaleda Stadium, with Cristiano Ronaldo expected to lead the attack in a central position.

The absence of that duo has seen Mateo Kovacic and Jese Rodriguez come into the side, while Nacho has replaced the suspended Raphael Varane at the heart of the defence.

As for the home side, Recio and Ricardo Horta have been picked at the expense of Fernando Tissone and Pablo Fornals.

Malaga: Kameni; Rosales, Albentosa, Weligton, Torres; Camacho, Recio; Juanpi, Horta, Cop; Charles Subs: Ochoa, Uche, Duda, Boka, Filipenko, Santa Cruz, Pablo

Real Madrid: Navas; Marcelo, Ramos, Nacho, Carvajal; Kroos, Kovacic, Modric; Isco, Jese, Cristiano Subs: Casilla, Rodriguez, Casemiro, Arbeloa, Vazquez, Danilo, Mayoral

Follow Sports Mole's live text coverage of the La Liga encounter here.