Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that "nothing has changed" when it comes to the roles of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos at the club.
Modric, 37, and Kroos, 33, are both entering the latter stages of their careers, and neither has signed a new contract at Bernabeu, with their deals, as it stands, due to expire at the end of June.
The duo have again been regulars this season, with Modric scoring five times and registering two assists in 23 appearances, while Kroos has two goals and four assists in 24 appearances.
Both players were left out of the starting XI against Athletic Bilbao last weekend, though, with Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga starting alongside Federico Valverde.
Speaking after the 2-0 win over Athletic, Ancelotti told reporters: "I didn't want to take any risks with Kroos as it's important to keep a lot of players motivated at this stage of the season.
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"Ceballos and [Marco] Asensio both deserved to play after their performances against Villarreal and Kroos needed the rest after playing a lot of games.
"Luka could also have played because he's trained very well, but I preferred to rest him too. We competed well and defended very strongly."
Ancelotti was also asked about the midfield pair during his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday's Copa del Rey quarter-final with Atletico Madrid.
The Italian insisted that "nothing has changed" regarding their roles, with the pair still "important" figures for the Spanish and European champions.
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"They understand very well their role and what I ask them. They know there's a lot of quality inside this squad. It's a moment of transition. I talked to them about this at the start of the season," Ancelotti told reporters.
"Modric and Kroos can play together, obviously. I am sure about that and I have no doubt they will still be important.
"Modric and Kroos have contributed a lot and will continue to contribute. I have no doubt with them. Of course they'll still play together. Nothing has changed."
Kroos is thought to be considering retiring from football altogether this summer, while there have been claims that Modric could be tempted to finish his career in Saudi Arabia, with Al-Nassr believed to be interested.
Matt Law
