Real Madrid attacker Isco has played down suggestions that the capital outfit are struggling this season due to their summer activity.

Pepe, James Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata were among those to leave the Bernabeu before the start of the 2017-18 campaign, and the club decided against signing experienced replacements.

Los Blancos are currently eight points off La Liga leaders Barcelona following Saturday's 0-0 draw with Athletic Bilbao, but Isco has denied that the squad is weaker than last season.

"It's taking advantage a bit, when the results aren't coming, to say that the squad is weaker," Isco told reporters. "Our squad is just as competitive as last year, and we haven't had all of the squad available yet because of injuries and that's important."

Real Madrid have dropped points in six of their 14 league matches this season.