James Rodriguez has been in and out of Zinedine Zidane's lineup and has missed a run of key matches for Real Madrid as they field a more defensive side.

"I don't see any problems with James - he is an important player," Zidane said at his media conference ahead of Saturday's match against Rayo Vallecano.

"James is important for us. He played well and scored a goal against Eibar and Getafe. He obviously wants to play more, but that's the same for every player who doesn't play all the time.

"Of course, we have 24 players and I can only pick 11. Sometimes it looks like I always have to make three changes in a game, but I will only do so if I think it is necessary.

"I am the coach and I have to make decisions."