Ronaldo a maybe, but Isco is out

Posted Wednesday, September 11, 2013 by Marca.com

Cristiano Ronaldo and Isco will be at the forefront of Carlo Ancelotti's mind this week. The Portuguese and Spaniard are currently in the hands of the club's medical staff who will be working non-stop to help them recover in time for Saturday's game at Villarreal.

After tests on Monday the first conclusions to be drawn are that Ronaldo has more chance than Isco of being available in El Madrigal. The setback that the Malaga born player suffered on international duty is not to be taken lightly and he will not be rushed back.

Isco is suffering from a problem in a muscle above his right ankle that put him out of the Finland match on Friday and national coach Vicente del Bosque allowed him to leave the camp on Sunday as he was unable to train normally.

The midfielder must now rest and his recovery could be quickened up slightly with some ultrasound treatment. It appears difficult for him to be ready in time for Villarreal and he could also struggle to make the Galatasaray match in the Champions League next week.

Without Isco or the departed Özil, Ancelotti will have to look for a player who can link up play with the forwards.

Meanwhile Marcelo is another player who has arrived back from international duty with a knock. The left back has picked up a muscular injury in his left thigh in Brazil's game against Australia and could be out for up to three weeks.