Injury-hit Real wait on Ronaldo for Copa comeback – Barcelona in command

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MADRID, Jan 24, (AFP): Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane hopes Cristiano Ronaldo will shrug off a foot problem in time to lead the European champions’ bid to overcome a Copa del Rey deficit at Celta Vigo on Wednesday.

Zidane’s squad, down 2-1 from the quarter-final first leg at home, has been hit by a series of injuries with Marcelo and Luka Modric joining Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Dani Carvajal and Pepe on the sidelines after limping off in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Malaga.

Ronaldo also suffered a blow to his right foot at the weekend, but Zidane expects the World Player of the Year to feature as Real aim to keep their quest for a first ever treble on course in Galicia.

“It is something that has bothered him until now, but he is fine. It is just a knock,” said Zidane on Tuesday.

“He will be with us tomorrow.”

After a glorious 2016 for club and country, Ronaldo has endured a frustrating start to the new year.

The Portuguese has scored just once from open play and was even jeered by sections of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd on Saturday.

“We all want the same thing, which is to do our best to win things,” added Zidane.

“Whistles have always been heard in this stadium and others, and that isn’t going to change. The only thing I will say is that we need the fans on our side.”

Zidane admitted his annoyance at the crowd’s reaction and the number of injuries that have blighted Madrid throughout the season, despite tasting defeat for the first time in the campaign just nine days ago at Sevilla.

However, the Frenchman challenged the less heralded members of the Madrid squad to take their chance to shine at Celta Vigo.

“It does annoy me that some players are out, but we can’t do anything about it,” he said.

“Throughout the season players will get injured and now we have to continue with those that are ready.

“It is a difficult, but great game to play. Now and again we also like to come from behind in these types of games.”

In contrast to Madrid’s ailing squad, Celta should be well rested to spring another surprise after coach Eduardo Berizzo made eight changes from the side that won at the Bernabeu last week for Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad.

“The game on Wednesday has a real importance,” said Berizzo.

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