What has happened to Real Madrid star Isco?

What is happening with Isco? Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has not started the midfielder in any of his five matches in charge so far and the 26-year-old has played a total of just 78 minutes in those games.

In Monday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League clash away to AS Roma tonight , Solari was twice asked about Isco, but did not say very much on either occasion.

The first question attempted to get to the bottom of the matter. Why wasn’t he playing? Was it a fitness issue? A tactical reason? Is there a problem with the midfielder?

“He’s working well, just like his team-mates,” Solari said. “He’s a very important player. I’m counting on him, just like I am with the other 23.”

Later on, it was put to the Argentine that the Spanish international looks unhappy and unmotivated following his spell on the bench.

“There are 24 players and we want the best of all of them,” Solari said. “And we want the injured players back, so that it’s 24 and 21.”

Isco was key under previous coach Julen Lopetegui, starting eight of the Basque’s 14 games and scoring two goals.

Since Solari took over, however, he has played just 78 minutes: 34 as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Valladolid, 17 in the 4-2 victory away to Celta Vigo and 27 in Saturday’s 3-0 loss at Eibar.

In light of that disastrous defeat, Solari could decide to hand the midfielder a start in Rome tonight and if he does not, the questions as to why he is not playing will only increase.