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Bale and Modric left out of Real Madrid's first squad since Lopetegui sacking

Luka Modric and Gareth Bale have been left out of Real Madrid's squad to face Melilla in the Copa del Rey, in their first game post Julen Lopetegui's sacking.

Lopetegui was dismissed on Monday after a disastrous start to the season, with Los Blancos losing four and drawing two of their opening 10 games.

Former B team coach Santiago Solari has been installed as caretaker manager replacing Lopetegui, with talks over a permanent successor continuing.

Ex-Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is the frontrunner to take over, with Goal understanding that negotiations with the Italian are underway.