Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has backed manager Santiago Solari's decision to drop Isco from the Blancos first team, hailing his coach for making a "difficult decision".
Spain international Isco has yet to start any of Solari's 13 Liga matches to date, with speculation increasing that he will leave Santiago Bernabeu this summer should Solari remain in charge heading into next season.
In his absence, Los Blancos have turned their disappointing early-season form around, and now find themselves six points behind leaders Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
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They head into Wednesday's meeting with Ajax in the last 16 of the Champions League on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run as they aim to win Europe's premier club competition for the fourth straight campaign.