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Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo ruled out at least another two weeks

A muscle strain will keep the Real Madrid forward on the sidelines until at least December 14.

David Ramos

Real Madrid host Valladolid on Saturday, but they'll have to do it without the help of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward injured his hamstring in last weekend's win over Almeria, limping off the pitch. It was thought that Ronaldo would only need to miss the midweek Champions League clash against Galatasaray, but although further tests have shown the muscle is completely healed, he won't even be on the bench for this week's tie, primarily because Carlo Ancelotti wants his star 100% fit once more.

Fortunately, Real Madrid have a relatively easy schedule ahead. Valladolid are barely out of the relegation zone, only ahead on goal difference, and there's no Champions League next week. Instead, the galácticos face Olimpic de Xàtiva in the Copa del Ray, and they'll likely not need their stars to beat the third-division side. Then it's on to Copenhagen, who are already eliminated from the Champions League, before facing Osasuna, currently one point above the relegation zone, in La Liga action.

Sure, it’s never nice to see one of the world’s best players sitting on the sidelines, but it’s best to allow Ronaldo to heal completely rather than risk him on matches that can probably be won by Madrid’s b-side.

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