Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to play their upcoming League fixtures against Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis without Cristiano Ronaldo starting.
Los Blancos are speculated as keen to ensure the No 7, who has 48 goals from 47 appearances this term, is in peak condition for the Champions League semi-finals, scheduled on April 23 or 24 and then April 30 and May 1.
Jose Mourinho is, according to Marca, ready to field weakened sides against Athletic and Betis in the team’s upcoming two League games before the European semi first leg and in particular not play Ronaldo for the full 90 in either.
The Portuguese forward did play the full game against Real Zaragoza just three days before facing Galatasaray in the quarter-final first leg, but is seen as unlikely to be allowed to repeat this heading into a final four clash with either Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund.
