Real Madrid interim coach Santiago Solari insists he is unwilling to rush Isco back into the action until he reaches peak fitness.

The 26-year-old had an operation on his appendix in September and has not started any of Los Blancos’ past three games – all wins since Solari took charge on October 30.

The former Real Madrid B coach praised the Spain international but said the playmaker still had work to do to get back to his best form.

“We know Isco’s quality and how special he is. He is training to get back to peak fitness,” he said.

“He had a delicate operation and it’s not easy to come out of that, but he is training with the group.

“All of us who have been footballers know that you have to keep training to get back to your best.”