Ronaldo misses Champions League semi-final first leg due to injury

CR7 will have to sit out at least one match due to a strained right thigh muscle, the injury occurred against Villarreal this midweek.

"After today's medical examination, Ronaldo was diagnosed with a strained right thigh muscle. The club is monitoring the progress of this injury," Real's statement on the evening of April 22 said.

The announcement did not mention the recovery time, but coach Zidane confirmed that Ronaldo will not be allowed to play in the match against Rayo Vallecano on the evening of April 23 in La Liga. "Using Ronaldo at this time is extremely risky. Ronaldo understands that our goal is to be ready to play next Tuesday (first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Man City)," Zidane said at a press conference.

Real fans are hoping Ronaldo can return in time to play in the Champions League semi-finals. Photo: Reuters

Fernando Santos, Portugal coach, also confirmed that Ronaldo has a problem with his right thigh muscle. However, the condition does not seem too serious.

"I am closely monitoring Ronaldo's condition. Fortunately, with the information I have, I can see that there is only a small probability of a serious injury," coach Santos shared.

Ronaldo suffered the injury towards the end of Real's win over Villarreal on Wednesday night. The striker limped off the field, clutching his right thigh.

Not long after the incident, Ronaldo reassured fans by stating: "Everything is fine" on social media. Coach Zidane also predicted that the injury was not too serious.

Ronaldo is currently Real's top scorer this season, with 47 goals in all competitions. In La Liga, CR7 is leading the race for the top scorer with 31 goals, one more than Luis Suarez.

According to VNE