Los Blancos have received a huge injury boost ahead of their second leg Champions League semi-final against Manchester City, as their all-time top goalscorer will be able to feature in the anticipated match on Wednesday. Ronaldo was ruled out of last week's crucial match at the Etihad Stadium due to a thigh injury, but all is well in the Madrid capital, as the 3-time Ballon d'Or man aims to get his team to the final.
Despite the good news that Madrid's ace has been given the medical green light, the home side will be without striker Benzema and defensive midfielder Casemiro due to their ongoing injuries. Therefore, there will be no "BBC" against Pellegrini's men, as the English side must fight until their last breath if they want to reach the final.
Furthermore, the French boss has spoken about his team's fitness, including the return of Ronaldo as well as the status of Benzema and Casemiro in his pre-match press conference.
“Cristiano is fine, he is 100 percent and will play, with Karim and Casemiro it’s different. We don’t want to take any risks; we have a big enough squad so that we don’t have to do that."
“There is no risk of a relapse with Cristiano, he is 100 percent. We will see that tomorrow."
“He has not recovered in just a couple of days, it’s been a week. He’s like that as a player, he recovers quickly and he takes care of himself. It’s not a question of two days. "
“We need Cristiano at 100 percent on the pitch with us, he’s different and he’s demonstrating that. I would have liked to have Casemiro and Karim, too, but we will do well [without them]."
“Casemiro is Casemiro, but other players can do his job. We will try to put out the most competitive team possible. The player that plays [in his place] will do the same job.”
Without the services of Benzema and Casemiro, can Ronaldo and Co. overcome the Citizens at the Santiago Bernabeu?
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