Isco to captain Real Madrid against Melilla

Cup competitions these days are seen as positive for two main reasons. Firstly, they allow teams to rotate and rest their heavy-legged stars (at least in the early stages) as they look to challenge across various competitions.

However, they also provide younger players and fringe players with an opportunity to show why they deserve a more prominent role in first-team affairs in the coming weeks and months.

The latter is exactly the situation Isco finds himself in. The classy midfielder has barely featured since Solari's appointment as Madrid boss, being relegated to the bench with regularity and even not featuring in the squad at all on occasion.

However, that will all change on Thursday as the Spain international prepares to return to the starting lineup in the Copa del Rey clash at the Bernabeu.

The game will give Isco the opportunity to show his worth in front of a home crowd which retains a special place in its heart for the former Malaga man.

Whatsmore, according to the aforementioned source, Isco will also be handed the captain's armband for the game, something which comes as a major surprise given the recent reports of a rift between the player and Solari.