Rafael Benitez plays down James Rodriguez reports

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has firmly denied suggestions that James Rodriguez is unhappy with life at the Bernabeu.

The Colombian started the season in strong form for Los Blancos, but a thigh problem kept him on the sidelines until earlier this month.

Benitez has been wary of selecting the 24-year-old on a regular basis during his recovery process, which has led to claims that the attacker is becoming frustrated with his manager's actions and could seek a move away in the January transfer window.

Benitez, however, has insisted that caution is needed with regards to James's injury and denied that there is a problem between the two.

"James unhappy? People seem to forget he has been out for 55 days. They should think about that," Benitez told reporters.

The former AS Monaco attacker was substituted in the second half of Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Eibar at the weekend.