Team News: Isco to operate as false nine for Real Madrid against Granada

Isco will play as the false nine for Real Madrid in Sunday evening's La Liga clash with Granada.

Karim Benzema has not recovered from his hamstring injury in time for the contest, while Mariano Diaz's absence has further limited Real Madrid's options at centre-forward.

Despite the availability of Luka Jovic, Isco has been chosen to lead the line, while Rodrygo and Marco Asensio also feature in attack, with Vinicius Junior missing out through suspension.

Casemiro and Lucas Vazquez have also been forced to pull out of the squad through sickness, so Dani Carvajal is back at right-back, while Eduardo Camavinga features in the middle of midfield.

Ferland Mendy is also still injured, meaning that Marcelo is handed a start at left-back, with Nacho dropping out of the side following the Copa del Rey defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.

Real Madrid, who drew their last league game at home to Elche on January 23, are currently top of La Liga, three points clear of second-placed Sevilla.

Full Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Marcelo; Modric, Camavinga, Kroos; Asensio, Isco, Rodrygo