Cristiano
Ronaldo is expected to be fit for Real Madrid's Champions League final
showdown against Atletico on Saturday, manager Carlo Ancelotti has
revealed.
The
Portugal international, who has not played since being withdrawn
through injury during Real's 1-1 draw with Valladolid on May 7, was set
to face Espanyol in his side's final La Liga game of the season last
weekend, but was removed from the squad as a precaution after feeling
discomfort during the warm-up.
However,
despite worries over fitness, Ronaldo trained in Lisbon with the rest
of his Madrid team-mates on Friday and doesn't appear to have any
problems as Real look to claim their 10th European Cup.
VIDEO Scroll down to watch Ronaldo say he is confident he will be fit for final
Thumbs up: Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be fit for Real Madrid's Champions League final showdown
No problems: Ronaldo trained well during Friday's practice session according to manager Carlo Ancelotti
Deadly duo: Ronaldo and Gareth Bale are both expected to start for Real against Atletico
Big match: Ronaldo and his team-mates are looking to land Real Madrid's 10th European Cup triumph
High spirits: Ronaldo shares a joke with Real Madrid legend Raul (left) and goalkeeper Iker Casillas
In control: Ronaldo plays a pass as Sami Khedira (centre) and defender Alvaro Arbeloa watch on
Wise words: Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti speaks to Ronaldo inside the Estadio Da Luz
Racing ahead: Ronaldo is put through his paces as Real Madrid's coaching staff watch on
Gather around: Ancelotti gives instructions to his Madrid players during Friday's preparations
'Today’s session is very important. I
think Cristiano doesn’t have problems. He has trained well,' said
Ancelotti at a press conference on Friday evening.
Ronaldo
broke the record for goals scored in a single season of Europe's elite
competition this term and Ancelotti is fully aware of the threat the
former Manchester United can pose against Real's local rivals.
'He is a very important weapon. We need him. His statistics are there for all to see. He has played an excellent CL season, scored 16 goals and helped the team to reach this final,' said the Italian.
'He is a very important weapon. We need him. His statistics are there for all to see. He has played an excellent CL season, scored 16 goals and helped the team to reach this final,' said the Italian.
'I’m
most worried about the unpredictable. Anything can happen in a final.
There’s nothing you can do about that. You only work with what you can
foresee.'
Despite
Ronaldo's progress, Ancelotti admits Real will have to evaluate the
fitness of defender Pepe - who was pictured receiving treatment during
Friday's training session - and French striker Karim Benzema ahead of
Saturday's match in the Portuguese capital.
'We will have to see how Pepe and Karim are because they haven’t trained this week. We will see how they train and make the decision for tomorrow,' said Ancelotti.
Worry: Real Madrid defender Pepe had to receive treatment during Friday's training session in Lisbon
Practice makes perfect: Real Madrid will assess the fitness of striker Karim Benzema (right) before the final
Ready: Bale is set to star in the Champions League final during his first season playing in the Spanish capital
Widemen: Bale challenges left back Marcelo for the ball during training in the Portuguese capital
Compatriots: Pepe and Ronaldo warm-up with Frenchmen Benzema and Raphael Varane (second left)
While
Ronaldo is fit and ready, Atletico Madrid frontman Diego Costa was able
to run freely during a light training session amid fears his hamstring
injury could rule him out of the final.
Atleti manager Diego Simeone also revealed Arda Turan will be given a chance to prove his fitness.
However, Real defender Sergio Ramos isn't worried at the prospect of having to face the Spain international on Saturday.
Asked about Costa and Turan's potential comebacks, Ramos replied: 'It’s
the same to me. What concerns me is Karim, Pepe, Cris, who have had
injuries in the past few days. That’s what we’re concerned about.'
'We’re awaiting what might happen. For these finals we’d like to play the best. If Costa and Arda are there, no problem.'
Five star: Modric, Isco, Alvaro Arbeloa, Bale and Asier Illarramendi warm up during the training session
Eyes on the prize: Marcelo focuses on the ball (left) while Luka Modic and Bale chat on the sidelines (right)
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