Ann Arbor: Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo won't be
playing in the Uefa Super Cup against Sevilla on August 9 and could miss the league opener
against Real Sociedad 12 days later.
Ronaldo injured his knee early in Portugal's Euro 2016 final victory against France back on July
10 and after being given some time off has been busy with rehabilitation.
"Basically, it looks like Ronaldo's injury requires a month of rehab and we also have to make sure he's prepared. We can't just put him in after he's back without having played for a month.
"From the Super Cup to the start of the season, there are 12 days. So, though he'll be with us, he will miss the Super Cup. I don't think he'll play at least till the first [league] match," Zidane said.
The news was better about forward Karim Benzema, who has been dealing with a hip injury. Zidane is hopeful of Benzema's presence in the Super Cup. "Having any injured player is something that's worrisome and it's a tough injury where Benzema has had it for a while," Zidane said.
Zidane was also optimistic about the trio of James Rodriguez, Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos - all of whom were given time off after international duty this summer - saying they had all nearly caught up with the main group in terms of fitness.