James Rodriguez Real Madrid Cultural Copa del ReyGetty

TEAM NEWS: James Rodriguez starts for Real Madrid against Napoli

James Rodriguez has earned a rare start for Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash against Napoli.

The Colombia international has made just four La Liga starts for Zinedine Zidane's side this season, but has had a better record in the Champions League, being named in the starting XI in three of six group games.

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James was linked with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu in January, but remained at the club as the transfer window closed, and has now been handed a chance to impress with his first start since January 4.

Up front, Karim Benzema will be looking to fire Madrid into a good position after the first leg. The Frenchman is the fifth highest scorer in the tournament's history, netting 50 times in 88 appearances.

Cristiano Ronaldo has also recovered in time to face Napoli. The Ballon d'Or winner missed training on Monday due to a knock picked up against Osasuna at the weekend, but has been passed fit to play.

Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik is on the bench for Napoli, and could make his first appearance since October, having spent four months on the sidelines after being injured on international duty.

Manager Maurizio Sarri has chosen 19-year-old Amadou Diawara to start in midfield ahead of the more experienced Jorginho as he looks for a more physical presence in the middle of the park.

Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; James, Ronaldo, Benzema.

Napoli: Reina; Ghoulam, Koulibaly, Albiol, Hysaj; Hamsik, Diawara, Zielinski; Insigne, Mertens, Callejon.

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