Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla on August 9 and is doubtful for Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Real Sociedad 12 days later, according to manager Zinedine Zidane.
The Portugal forward injured his knee during the Euro 2016 final win against France on July 10 and is currently in rehabilitation.
“Basically it looks like [Ronaldo’s] injury requires a month of rehab, and we also have to make sure he’s prepared,” Zidane said through a translator on Friday.
“We can’t just put him in after not playing for a month. From the Super Cup to the start of the season there’s 12 days, so we’re not sure, but he’ll be with us. But I don’t think he’ll play at least for the first [league] match.”
There was however some good news about Karim Benzema, who has been struggling with a hip problem.
“Obviously any injured player, it’s something that is worrisome, and it’s a tough injury where [Benzema] has had it for a while,” Zidane said.
“It’s his hip. But overall, every day he’s been working with the trainers and the medical staff and my hope is that he can play in the third match [of the ICC]. It’s important for him to play in the third match as we’d like to be able to count on him for the Super Cup.”
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