Ronaldo To Miss Wednesday Clash Due To El Clasico, Zidane Confirms

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Ronaldo To Miss Wednesday Clash Due To El Clasico, Zidane Confirms

Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane has confirmed forward Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature in the midweek clash against Cultural to ensure he is fresh for the weekend fixture against Barcelona.

Los Blancos have a shot at opening up a nine-point lead against their bitter rivals Barcelona when they face this weekend.

The first leg against Cultural saw Madrid record a 7-1 win without the Portuguese and Zidane has confirmed he won’t be available for the return leg at the Bernabeu.

“Wednesday’s game is a chance for Ronaldo to have some rest,” Zidane said at a press conference.

Nevertheless, the Madrid coach was adamant that they will not take the match lightly, before confirming that Casemiro will make his comeback after a two-month lay-off due to a fractured leg.

“It is true that 7-1 is a very good result for us, but we must respect the opponent, and the fans who come to support us,” he added.

“I hold Cultural in high esteem. They are a good team that can cause us problems.

“Casemiro will get minutes. It will be his first game back, so we will have to see and see how he feels for Saturday’s match. But he is ready to play.”