Cristiano Ronaldo is fit to make his return for Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, according to his coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian boss, 53, said the Portuguese superstar is in top shape to feature in the first Madrid derby of the Spanish League season after missing the club’s 4-2 loss at Real Sociedad’s San Sebastian Stadium before the international break and his country’s shock 1-0 home loss to Albania on Monday.
Ancelotti says Ronaldo is over the hamstring problem which has hampered his fitness so far in the new season.
He said: “Cristiano is in top shape. He has trained very well this week and I think he is in optimal condition.”
The manager also dismissed suggestions that the reigning Fifa Ballon d’Or winner had complicated a knee problem by continuing to play with a patellar tendonisis in his left knee, which began at the end of last season.
“It is clear that Cristiano plays when he isn’t tired or there is no risk of him injuring himself,” he explained. “That is what we did last season and I don’t think he played too much last year, he only played when there was no risk of being injured.
“At the end of the season he had some problems but I think his overall performance was very good because he scored a lot of goals. Cristiano doesn’t have a chronic injury. He had a problem last year with his patellar tendon that has completely recovered.”
‘Los Merengues’ and their city rival have already met twice this season in the Spanish Super Cup, with coach Diego Simeone’s men claiming advantage in the two-legged fixture.
Atletico claimed the corresponding fixture last season on their track to a first La Liga title in 18-years, but went on to lose to the Lisbon final to Real in extra-time.
Real fell short in the physical tussle against their opponent in the Super Cup loss early this season; an aspect which they must address to regain Madrid bragging right.
“We have to impose our style on the pitch. With quality, intensity and concentration, which is what we didn’t do in the last match at Anoeta,” Ancelotti said.
