Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti knows there's surprise over Luka Modric's lack of minutes.

Ancelotti was speaking ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash at Napoli.

He said, “It is a bit of a surprise for Modrić not to have the role he has played in the past. He played the opening Champions League game, and the derby as well. In the last two he has not played because the competition is very tough and sometimes someone might be left on the bench.

"We have no problem with him whatsoever and he doesn't have any problems with us at all. I have great respect for him as a player and as a person, but sometimes I have to make really tough decisions.

"That's nothing new. I don't know how to explain it, it's simply a technical matter. It may well change tomorrow or in the coming games. One day it's Modrić and another it might be Kroos, Tchouameni or Camavinga."