Ronaldo is fit to play against Rayo, confirms Ancelotti The Italian coach says the Portugal star just has a small problem and made it clear he would not drop Diego Lopez for Saturdays Liga encounter By Joe Wright Mar 28, 2014 12:53:00 PM Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit to face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday despite suffering from a small problem. Reports have circulated in the Spanish media this week that the Portugal star has been playing through the pain of a knee injury sustained in the Champions League last-16 win over Schalke. While Ancelotti admits he would be willing to rest the 29-year-old should any physical discomfort become serious, the Italian insists his star man will be in action this weekend. Cristiano has been training normally, I dont think its been affecting his game and he will play tomorrow. Its no problem, he told a press conference. We thought of resting him, but the problem has been managed well and he is confident. If things dont improve, well give him a break. Its a small problem. Ancelotti also said he would not drop Diego Lopez in favour of Iker Casillas for Saturdays clash despite some calls for the Spain skipper to be returned to the full-time No.1 role following Lopezs showing in the defeat to Sevilla. Its something Ive already spoken about. Things can change, but Diego Lopez has been doing well, like Iker. Diego Lopez will play tomorrow, Iker on Wednesday, Ancelotti said. The former Paris Saint-Germain coach also claimed Xabi Alonso does not needed to be rested despite two disappointing showings in Madrids back-to-back defeats. The last two games havent been great, but the player is physically fine. It may be that he has made mistakes but he is a very important player, he said. When he needs rest, he will rest. In the two defeats the team showed a good physical condition. Madrid will be desperate to return to winning ways after seeing their lead at the top of La Liga disappear in the last two matchdays and Ancelotti has called for a greater level of concentration from his side. Its not just a problem in our play. Weve conceded six goals and we need to avoid these kind of errors because we paid dearly for them, he added. We need more concentration than normal.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 17:14:52 +0000
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