James Rodriguez Return Will Bolster Real Madrid's Liga, Champions League Dreams

We all know that statistics can be flawed, but when you look at how Real Madrid have performed without James Rodriguez this season, the positive effect he has on the side is clear.

With James in the team, in all competitions, Madrid have played 30 games and lost five while drawing one. That's an 80 per cent win rate.

They have played 14 games without the Colombian star, in which they only have a 57 per cent win rate. That means they've lost four and drawn two without him.

James was injured in February against Sevilla, sustaining a metatarsal injury that needed surgery.

Real Madrid's next game? Their 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid.

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Yes, James' injury was a big blow for Madrid with regards to that game and well beyond.

Could he have helped create something at the new San Mames, where Real Madrid lost 1-0 against Athletic Club in a meek display? Almost certainly.

Defeats against Schalke and at Camp Nou in El Clasico may also have been different if James had been able to play.

Of course, Madrid can't blame their recent form solely on James' injury.

For starters, there have also been the injuries to Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos, which have been costly.

On top of those factors that Madrid can't change, there are also the issues discussed earlier this week on Bleacher Report, from the form of key players to the uncomfortable atmosphere in the Santiago Bernabeu.

But James returning can be a key to solving these problems.

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For one, the fans love him. He has not been the victim of the frequent whistling at the stadium, unlike Gareth Bale and even talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.

James has adapted remarkably quickly to life in La Liga after arriving from Monaco.

He works hard for the team and is versatile enough to form part of the attack or the midfield. James can be useful in both attacking and defensive phases.

James links well with Bale and Ronaldo and has no problems playing the foil to Madrid's star men.

Per Sport's Peter Martin, Carlo Ancelotti is willing to throw him straight back into the mix on Sunday: "James Rodriguez is set to start for Real Madrid on Sunday against Granada. James has been included in what looks like a first choice XI during Real Madrid training sessions this week."

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For a team that has been down in the dumps lately, his return should generate some excitement and energy.

It is understandable if the midfielder is a little rusty at first, but a home match against Granada is the perfect way to slot back in.

If Madrid win, they ramp the pressure back up on Barcelona, who must then beat Celta Vigo to restore their four-point advantage.

Barcelona lost to their opponents on Sunday at Camp Nou, and Balaidos isn't the easiest of places to travel to.

Meanwhile, with the Champions League quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid coming up, James has returned at just the right time for Los Blancos.