Madrid: Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo returned to full training on Friday for the first time in a week, indicating he will start Saturday’s crunch game against Barcelona.
Ronaldo had been absent from training after hurting his calf against Gremio in the Club World Cup final in the UAE last Saturday, in which he scored the only goal of Real’s 1-0 win over the Brazilian side and completed the full 90 minutes.
The five-times world player of the year is having his worst domestic campaign in nine seasons with Real, having scored only four league goals so far.
He goes into the ‘Clasico’, however, having scored five times in his last four games in all competitions.
Real are fourth in La Liga standings, 11 points adrift of leaders Barca, who have played one game more.
Ronaldo’s front-line teammate Gareth Bale appears to be playing for his future and will be eager to shine against Barca. Recurrent injuries have cost the Wales winger his spot in Real’s starting line-up, with coach Zinedine Zidane preferring the playmaking — and sturdier legs — of Isco.
Bale returned after his latest injury layoff to help Real win the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi, but caught the eye as a second-half substitute. He is likely to have that role against Barcelona and will need to make the most of the minutes he gets.
Three brief cameos — his only appearances since September — have done his cause the power of good.
Real Madrid TV presenter Phil Kitromilides told BBC Sport: “I think it is very unfair to criticise any player for getting injured, and no one will be more frustrated with the games he has missed than Bale.
“There have been flashes of excellence from Bale this season. His goal at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League will be one of the best of the tournament, while he scored in both of the first two away games of the season.
“Bale has always been decisive and he showed that he’s still got that capacity in the semi-final of the Club World Cup, and when he came off the bench against Fuenlabrada and changed the game.”
Should Real lose, Paris St-Germain star Neymar is eager to pile on the misery for the Spanish side by eliminating the holders in the upcoming Uefa Champions League round-of-16.
Real Madrid host PSG in the first leg on February 14. The Spanish giants will then travel to France on March 7 for the second leg.
“We want to make history and will do everything possible to eliminate them,” the Brazilian told Marca.
“We know it will be a difficult game, Real Madrid players have been together for many years.
“They are looking for their third successive Champions League, but I know we can beat them.”
PSG coach Unai Emery — who will attend the Clasico as he prepares for PSG’s Champions League clash against Real — says Zidane’s side are favourites for the La Liga showdown due to the match being played in Madrid.
“They are many points behind, but on Saturday if one team is favourite to win then it should be Real Madrid, as they’re at home,” Emery told Marca.
“[Home advantage] is important in a Clasico.
“Furthermore, Real Madrid are playing to stay alive in La Liga.
“They need the three points and home advantage is quite important. But you cannot rule out Atletico Madrid for La Liga either.
“The fact they’ve not started well in La Liga could mean something for the second half of the season.
“When the most important matches come along, I am convinced they’ll be good.
“Real Madrid still have a really good team.
“They have won the last two Champions League titles and a La Liga title.”
