Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has said he will not rush Cristiano Ronaldo back into action as he continues to recover from a knee injury suffered playing for Portugal in the final of Euro 2016.
Ronaldo, 31, sprained his left knee during Portugal’s 1-0 extra-time win over hosts France in Paris last month and Madrid have not set a date for his comeback.
“Right now he (Ronaldo) still has his injury,” Zidane said following Madrid’s 1-0 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday in the International Champions Cup in New Jersey.
“Obviously he wants to be back but we need patience and for him to be calm.
“He will be back with us soon in Madrid.”
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Ronaldo, who scored 51 goals in 48 games in all competitions for Madrid last season, is on holiday in the United States and will miss the European Super Cup against Sevilla on August 9.
He is also doubtful for Madrid’s Primera Liga opener at Real Sociedad on August 21.
Zidane has also been without Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos and Pepe throughout pre-season, with the trio due to join up with the squad on August 6.
All three were granted an extended holiday following their participation at Euro 2016.
Despite not being at full strength, Zidane has been impressed by what he has seen in his team’s preparations so far.
“Overall I am delighted with the work we have done this preseason,” he said. “But we must continue because it’s going to be a long campaign and we have to continue to work in this manner. We need to get better as a team.”
Madrid finished runners-up to Barcelona in La Liga last season, but beat Atletico Madrid to lift the Uefa Champions League trophy in Zidane’s first season in charge.
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