Cristiano Ronaldo Will Be Fit Against Manchester City

Zinedine Zidane has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will travel to face Manchester City in the Champions League but is unsure on Karim Benzema’s chances of featuring after the striker limped off against Rayo Vallecano.

Ronaldo pulled a thigh muscle during the midweek win over Villarreal and sat out Saturday’s trip to face Paco Jemez’s team, in which Madrid fell two goals behind before securing a vital 3-2 victory in the Spanish title race.

It was the first league game the Portuguese star had missed this season and Zidane’s comments prior to the Rayo game hinted that the injury could keep Ronaldo out of the City fixture as well.

However, Zidane has since revealed that Ronaldo’s injury is not as bad as first feared and he will make the trip to Manchester on Tuesday.

When asked by reporters for an update on Ronaldo’s fitness, Zidane replied: “He will travel to Manchester.”

Benzema – who has struggled with injuries all season – limped off just before half-time to add to Zidane’s fitness concerns ahead of the semi-final first leg at the Etihad Stadium.

The striker has scored 23 league goals this season – his highest total in a single season since joining Madrid in 2009 – but has seen playing time restricted due to thigh and back problems.

Zidane says he is in the dark as to whether Benzema will miss Madrid’s clash with City, admitting that it is too early to tell.

“He will be assessed,” Zidane said. “Hope it’s nothing and he’ll be able to play on Tuesday but right now we don’t know.”

Madrid’s 3-2 win over Rayo briefly sent them top of the league prior to title rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona’s victories later in the day.

“We knew before coming to Vallecas it would be very difficult,” Zidane added.
“On Tuesday we have another battle.

We know City will be very difficult and we have to prepare well.”

Image credit:- forbes