Carlo Ancelotti has suggested Cristiano Ronaldo could make a comeback for the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday.
The forward was initially ruled out for a two-week window due to a muscle tear but in an interview with El Mundo, quoted by AS, Ancelotti has refused to confirm Ronaldo would miss the game against Barcelona.
“He’s progressing every day so don’t rule him out,” Ancelotti said of the Portuguese.
“But we won’t take any chances.
“If he doesn’t play then the system won’t change. The players are confident and comfortable.
“They have faith in the system and they’re doing well.”
Madrid won 4-0 at home to Almeria in Ronaldo’s absence, the same score by which they dispatched Real Sociedad in the League a week earlier, again without Ronaldo.
Los Blancos were beaten 2-0 in midweek by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-final second-leg, but a 3-0 first-leg win ensured Madrid progressed to the semi-final stage.
They have been drawn against holders Bayern Munich and Ancelotti gave his thoughts on the fixture in another part of the interview.
He also revealed his belief that Tata Martino has a harder job at Barcelona than he does at Madrid, said Spanish fotball is too hard on referees and gave his thoughts on the Champions League semi-finals.
Regarding the Cup final, Ancelotti said that if Ronaldo is unavailable, the game must be seen as an opportunity for one of the squad players.
“Cristiano is always missed but the players aren’t saying ‘Oh my God, what will we do without him?!’
“They have shown confidence and they know how to win without him.
“It is also a very good opportunity for someone to take centre stage in a final.”
