Real Madrid v Athletic Bilbao preview: Zinedine Zidane on 'phenomenal' attacking trio

Zinedine Zidane insists he is pleased with the form of Real Madrid's attacking trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema ahead of Sunday's clash with Athletic Bilbao.

The usually free-scoring forwards have come in for criticism after contributing just eight La Liga goals between them so far this season.

Although second-placed Real remain unbeaten, they have drawn three of their last four league games, dropping points against Villarreal, Las Palmas and Eibar.

Head coach Zidane, who looks likely to keep faith with his under-fire front line at the Bernabeu, told reporters at his pre-match press conference: "This criticism of 'BBC' with people suggesting that they are average certainly isn't the case for me.

"I will say the same as I always have, that we are very lucky to have three phenomenal players at the club."

Live La Liga Football

Real are level on 18 points with Atletico and one behind Barcelona, who have played a game more.

They will once again be without defender Sergio Ramos and midfielders Luka Modric and Casemiro on Sunday due to injuries.

When asked about France international Benzema being replaced in the starting line-up by Alvaro Morata, Zidane replied: "The most important thing for me is to talk to Morata a lot because he is a guy I really like.

"He is an important player for us because he gives us so much. He will get playing time because the season is a very long and he will be a big part of this team being successful in the long-term, like many others."

Athletic are just three points behind Real in the early season table having won five of their last six league games.

Ernesto Valverde's side did, however, suffer a disappointing Europa League defeat at Genk on Thursday.