Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will not play any part in Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Galatasaray.
The former Manchester United forward picked up a strain in his left thigh during Madrid’s 5-0 win at Almeria on Saturday, forcing him to be substituted in the 54th minute.
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The Madrid coach reiterated that the injury was nothing to be worried about and was hopeful he would only miss the match with Roberto Mancini’s side and could be back in time to face Real Valladolid at the weekend.
“Cristiano can’t play tomorrow, he’s had a very small problem but tomorrow we're going to rest him and we’re going to see if he can be available for Saturday,” Ancelotti said.
The coach also confirmed he would not change Gareth Bale’s position on the right of Madrid’s attack in Ronaldo’s absence.
Besides Ronaldo, Sami Khedira, Raphael Varane and Fabio Coentrao have all been ruled out through injury, while Luka Modric is suspended.u00a0
Qualifying scenario in Groups A, B, C, D
Group A: *Bayer Leverkusen and Man United can secure qualification with a win today.u00a0Should Shakhtar Donetsk lose to Real Sociedad, United and Leverkusen will progress with a draw. It’s a must-win game for Sociedad and Shakhtar if they wish to keep their hopes alive.
Group B: Bottom-placed Juventus, trailing FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray by a point, must win both their games to ensure qualification. u00a0A point is enough to send Real Madrid through.
Group C: Paris Saint-Germain will qualify for the knockout phase with a draw today against Olympiakos. The Greek champions can go through with a point should Anderlecht defeat Benfica in the other tie. Benfica will be looking for a win to stay in touch with the top two spots and also solidify their chances of guaranteeing at least third and a spot in the next round of the Europa League.
Group D: Bayern Munich and Manchester City have already qualified from this group.u00a0