After being regularly overlooked by former boss Rafa Benitez, Spain international Isco has been restored to the starting line-up by Zidane and has responded with a series of influential performances.
But he has not got his name on the scoresheet in La Liga since October’s home win over Las Palmas, which was his only league goal in 19 outings so far this season.
And Zidane said: “It is important to get a contribution of goals through the team. We’re missing a goal from Isco, but I am happy with our work. Scoring goals is important for the players but for me the team is the important thing.”
One recent scorer hoping for another chance is Jese Rodriguez, who netted in Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League win at Roma.
But Zidane would not be drawn on selection, saying: “There are 23 players in the squad and everyone deserves to play. That is the most difficult thing for me.”
Sunday’s trip will be a big test against a Malaga team who claimed a goalless draw at the Bernabeu earlier in the season. The Andalusian team have gained 10 points from their last five home games, suffering defeat only against Barcelona, and the difficulty of the game means that Zidane is likely to reject the option of resting Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos, who would miss next weekend’s Madrid derby with a booking. Zidane said: “If they have to play, they will do. If one of them gets a card they will be unable to play in the derby but I am not thinking about that, just this game.”
