James Rodriguez' last chance of 2019 slipped away

It was James Rodriguez's last chance to prove himself this year, but it's slipped away from him and there was not much he could do about it. Despite the fact that many were expecting him to be called up for this evening's game against Atheltic Bilbao, the Colombian was left out through injury. 

He's working because he's had a bad injury. He's getting better every day. We want James back, he's in the process of recovering. You'll see him on the call-up," said Zinedine Zidane at a press conference, just before leaving him off the last Real Madrid roster this year.

The French coach explained that the Colombian is not yet in shape to reappear, although he's already started training with his teammates again. 

James Rodriguez has had a hard time since coming back to Real Madrid after two years on loan to Bayern Munich, only disputing five matches as a starter out of nine appearances with a total of 442 minutes. 

He's scored one goal and provided an assist in that time, but injuries are hindering his comeback to the Spanish capital. 

Additionally, he is facing growing competition through Fede Valverde as the 22-year-old Uruguayan who's impressed Zidane, and Isco Alarcón, who is finally back to his previous level.