Real Madrid trio to miss Tottenham match

Ronaldo, Benzema and Marcelo would be certain starters against Spurs if fit

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho says Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in the first-leg Champions League quarter-final tie against Tottenham next week.

The forward is struggling with a hamstring injury, while striker Karim Benzema has sustained a thigh problem and full-back Marcelo has sore ribs.

Mourinho said the trio will not be available until 9 April when his team play Athletic Bilbao.

"That is what the reports that the medical staff say," said Mourinho.

"If they were available they would play [against Sporting Gijon]. Saturday's match is more decisive than next week's against Tottenham because the latter is the best of two.

"If we don't win the first we still have a chance in the second.

"It will only get harder if we lose points at home. La Liga will be lost if we lose [against Gijon]. If we lose on Tuesday we can still win the following week.

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