Real Madrid Isco or Asensio to take his place

Isco: I want to stay at Real Madrid but it cannot be a surprise that I want to play more

Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale both hit with muscular discomfort

In a season defining week, with matches against Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Real Madrid will be without Gareth Bale after a knock to the soleus muscle in his calf.

Zinedine Zidane is taking no risks with the Welshman, and Isco and Marco Asensio's recent performances go a long way in minimising the impact of his absences.

It still remains to be seen whether Bale will play in El Clasico, but the Bayern Munich match on Tuesday is just too soon.

Asensio, Isco and Lucas Vazquez are all fighting for that starting spot, and squad depth has been one of Real's strongest qualities this season.

After Isco's masterclass against Sporting, plenty will be calling on him to start, but the Malagueno has only played twice in nine matches for Los Blancos in the current Champions League campaign, for a total of only 77 minutes.

In other words, the talent of Asensio could be what Zidane opts for, especially considering he is a more of a like for like change.

The Sporting match acted as a test of sorts to see whether Asensio, Isco, or Lucas Vazquez would replace the Welsh winger, and now the French boss faces a tough choice in making the decision, as all have more than made their case this year.