Ronaldo has not played since coming off as a substitute in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 2. Earlier in midweek, Real Madrid fans were anticipating the return of Cristiano Ronaldo as a substitute in their game away to Dortmund.
The Portuguese was on the bench and ended up unused as Carlo Ancelotti explained afterwards:
“Ronaldo is improving. If it was anything serious, he wouldn't have been sitting on the bench, but putting him on would have been taking a risk. He will continue resting and I think he'll be ready for the Almería game.”
Ronaldo seating down injured on April 2, 2014.
Off for Casemiro! Ronaldo's last moment on the pitch until today
However, fresh news indicates that Cristiano Ronaldo may not only miss this weekend’s league match at home to Almeria but also next week’s highly anticipated Copa del Rey final. A medical report on the club’s official website this Thursday read:
“Medical tests performed on Cristiano Ronaldo have revealed an injury to the player's left biceps femoris muscle. Pending a medical evaluation.”
Real Madrid have lost twice against Barcelona this season already. Will they be third time luck in the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday, April 16, 2014?
El Clasico without Cristiano Ronaldo: Mind games or a real psychological blow to CR7?
Cristiano Ronaldo will miss two league games & the Copa del Rey final. He may just as well kiss away the golden boot award & a trophy.
— TheCristianoFan (@TheCRonaldoFan) April 10, 2014
Cristiano Ronaldo should be back from injury for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. #ucl
— TheCristianoFan (@TheCRonaldoFan) April 10, 2014
Even if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t play, expect him to motivate his team from the bench like he did against Borussia Dortmund in midweek.
Real Madrid fans will be looking to circulate this image in case Los Blancos manage to beat Barcelona in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo [Picture dating from Barcelona’s Champions League exit on Wednesday]:
