Cristiano Ronaldo missed the Real Madrid training on Friday as part of a strategic rest to ensure that he is fully fit and in form for the Champions League final against Atletico on May 28th. The forward continued at the gym occupied with the club physios while his teammates were training at the Valdebebas turf. Due to the rampant injuries in his starting XI, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was forced to take precautions with his star player.
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Ronaldo had suffered from a small muscle tear a few weeks ago and had missed three games as a consequence. The club has clearly implemented a zero-risk policy with the Portuguese ahead of the most important game of the season. The three-time Ballon d’Or winner is anticipated to return to the squad for Saturday’s training session along with his teammates.
Also read: UEFA Champions League: Fernando Torres confident ahead of final against Real Madrid
Apart from Portuguese star, James Rodríguez also stayed back at the gym for a second consecutive day as he is still to recover from a muscle strain. Zidane expects to have the midfielder at full fitness for the final. In the case of a failure from James to recover in time, the Frenchman will be able to bring in Lucas Vázquez, who has returned to the squad and to training after recovering from a knee problem.
Karim Benzema had earlier confirmed he had picked up a right hamstring injury in the match against Manchester City and was recovering. A medical statement on the club's website read: “Following tests carried out today on the player Karim Benzema at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his right hamstring. His recovery will continue to be assessed.”
Arbeloa is also not confirmed for the final on May 28th after the former Liverpool players got injured in his knee during a training session.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said that his team is arriving at next weekend's Champions League final against Real Madrid much better prepared than when the teams met in the decider two years ago. In 2013-14, Atletico went to the Champions League final just a week after making tremendous efforts to win the La Liga title by drawing 1-1 at Barcelona, and with many major players far from 100 percent fit.
This year, Simeone's side were out of contention ahead of the final La Liga weekend and have had two weeks to train for the final on May 28 with a fully fit squad.
