Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane isn't writing off Philipp Lienhart.

The Castilla defender has left Real this week to sign for Bundesliga outfit SC Freiburg on-loan for the new season.

Zidane and Real management has made it clear they still believe Lienhart can make it in Madrid, but he needs senior football.

Similarly to Dani Carvajal and Jesus Vallejo, Real are sending Lienhart to Germany to launch his first team career before eventually bringing him back to the club.

Lienhart's agreement with Freiburg runs to the end of this season.