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Wednesday, 10 February 2010

World News 'Ronaldo Not Fit Enough for Portugal Play-Off'

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini understands why Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz is keen to have Cristiano Ronaldo on board for their World Cup play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but has serious doubts the injured forward will be fit enough to play.

Queiroz yesterday named Ronaldo in a 23-man squad for the two games against Bosnia-Herzegovina, even though the latest medical reports from Madrid say the forward will be out of action for at least two more weeks with his right ankle injury.

Ronaldo has missed Madrid's last eight matches after suffering the injury during the Champions League match with Marseille on September 30, and then aggravating it while while playing for Portugal in their World Cup qualifier against Hungary on October 10.

The 24-year-old last Thursday met with Dutch specialist Professor Niek van Dijk in Amsterdam after tests conducted by Madrid on Wednesday revealed there had been no improvement to the player's injury since undergoing an MRI scan a week before.

Van Dijk, who operated on the former Manchester United man's right ankle in the summer of 2008, advised Ronaldo to continue his treatment before returning for a fresh evaluation in 15 days' time.

That would have meant Ronaldo missing Portugal's two matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina on November 14 and 18, but former Madrid boss Queiroz nevertheless yesterday went through with his promise to include the world's most expensive player in his squad for the fixtures.

It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will actually feature in either match, but Pellegrini is dubious.

"He (Ronaldo) has a medical treatment that he is following," Pellegrini said today.

"He wants to play and it's normal that the coach wants him, but there is a medical issue and I believe its very difficult (for Ronaldo to be able to play).

"The doctors are the ones who know in this regard."

The Madrid coach added: "There is no player in the world who doesn't want to play for his country when they are trying to qualify for the World Cup."

Madrid won all of their opening seven matches this season with Ronaldo in the team, during which spell the summer signing scored nine goals.

Since Ronaldo has been sidelined, Madrid have won three, lost three and drawn twice.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola today threw his support behind Madrid with regards Ronaldo, saying: "If he is injured he must rest. It makes no sense playing Ronaldo.

"There's a lack of trust between clubs and national teams. We need to take a step forward."

Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association

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