Real Madrid boss allays fears over Cristiano Ronaldo injury as La Liga title race heats up

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Zinedine Zidane has suggested that Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t suffer any serious injury in the 3-0 win over Villarreal on Wednesday night.

The Portuguese international limped off in the closing stages of the game with what appeared to be a hamstring problem. Having already used all three substitutions, Zidane was forced to play on with 10 men in the final few minutes, although his side were able to avoid any late drama.

While it looked as though Ronaldo may have picked up an issue, his coach has revealed that essentially he just needs rest having been an ever-present in the side throughout the season thus far.

“Ronaldo felt something just at the end,” Zidane said, as reported by ESPN FC. “But at the moment I cannot say anything. I believe it was more a fright than anything serious. We will see tomorrow exactly what he has. I was worried when I saw him leaving the pitch, but I am more relaxed now.

“Once in a while he needs to be substituted so he can rest. It’s necessary for him not to finish one game or to miss one game occasionally. But he’s a player who always wants to play and give everything he has. It’s difficult for me at times.”

Los Blancos will certainly hope that Ronaldo won’t be sidelined for an extended period of time given that they are now entering a critical part of the campaign.

Aside from their Champions League semi-final clashes with Manchester City coming up, the Spanish giants are also firmly involved in an intriguing La Liga title race.

Barcelona’s dip in form opened the door for both Madrid clubs to close the gap, with Atletico currently level on points with the Catalan outfit while Real sit just a point adrift of them both with four games remaining.

Given Luis Enrique’s side got back on track with a thumping 8-0 win over Deportivo on Wednesday night, it sets up a fascinating end to the season with all three teams looking in ominous shape.

As a result, Ronaldo’s absence would be a bitter blow for his side, but judging from Zidane’s reaction after the game, it looks as though the capital club will be firing on all cylinders in the coming weeks as they look to end the season in style.

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