Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo felt “something” after the club’s last training session this week, but is hoping he will be fit for next week’s second leg against Manchester City.
The 31-year-old injured his thigh in the recent win at Villarreal and was not risked for the trip to Rayo Vallecano on the weekend, as Real Madrid won 3-2.
However, Ronaldo travelled with the squad to England on Monday ahead of tonight’s Champions League semi-final first leg clash with Manchester City.
Many felt Ronaldo would be fit for the game considering his vast importance to the side, but he was surprisingly left out of the 18-man party all together.
Speaking after the game, Zidane confirmed Ronaldo was good heading into the match before he felt something tweak in their last training session.
“Ronaldo felt something after the last training session and that’s why he didn’t play,” Zidane said at his post-match press conference.
“I hope Ronaldo and Benzema will be fit for second-leg, but we will have to wait and see and take it day by day.
“I cannot assure you Ronaldo will be fit for second leg.”
Ronaldo’s absence was felt at the Etihad, as Real Madrid laboured to a 0-0 draw with Manchester City – the first time in their history they had played out a goalless European Cup semi-final first leg.
However, Real Madrid did find Joe Hart in strong form in the North West and will now be hoping to have Ronaldo back for the return fixture.
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