Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that it has been difficult to leave Spanish midfielder Isco out of his starting XI in recent months.

Despite an impressive start to his Los Blancos career, the midfielder has struggled for regular first-team football due to Ancelotti's favoured 4-3-3 formation.

However, the Italian has claimed that Isco is 'close' to a starting role with the Spanish side.

"We have spoken for a month. We haven't been able to play with him in that position. He played very well against Schalke and Atletico," he told AS.

"He is closer to starting. I had a similar case. [Clarence] Seedorf was an attacking central midfielder who, with sacrifice, played in this position. Isco can do what Seedorf did."

Isco has scored eight times for Madrid this season.