Zidane could look for goals through either Jovic or Mariano Real Madrid Two forwards have barely played

Real Madrid continue to struggle in attack, and whilst Isco found the net against Manchester City, there was a clear lack of offensive impetus from the forward players and now Zinedine Zidane could be forced to look to Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz for goals.

Sunday's Clasico will go a long way to deciding the eventual winner of the Spanish title, yet with Eden Hazard absent Los Blancos need to think of alternative options.

Neither Mariano nor Jovic has featured much under Zidane this term, with the French coach still unsure over their respective qualities.

The truth is that Zidane has tried absolutely everything with Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Jr, Gareth Bale, Lucas Vazquez and Isco all being selected to partner Karim Benzema.

Jovic has played in 24 matches this term, but sparingly due to the fact he has only chained together 770 minutes in total, which is just over eight full matches.

Mariano's situation is even bleaker, with the former Lyon forward playing just 40 minutes in the two matches of the Supercopa de Espana which was held in Saudi Arabia.

Zidane doesn't consider either player as the solution to the team's lack of goals, and had previously favoured using Rodrygo, but he is suspended for the Barcelona match.

Jovic cost the Spanish giants 60 million euros, but he isn't contributing goals, yet Zidane remained eager to point out that there was a long-term plan with the Serbian.

"He's the future," Zidane confirmed.