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Ronaldo OK, but Benzema doubt for Champions League semis

Xinhua, April 25, 2016 Adjust font size:

Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema travel with the Real Madrid squad to England on Monday ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League semi-final first leg away to Manchester City.

Ronaldo missed Madrid's 3-2 win away to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday as he rested to protect his hamstring, while Benzema limped out of the game after suffering a possible muscle injury to his right leg.

Ronaldo was able to work with the Real Madrid squad in Sunday's training session and should have no problems starting in Tuesday's game, but Benzema, who worked in the gym is still a doubt and Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has included young striker Borja Mayoral in the squad, although Lucas Vazquez would replace him in the starting 11 should he not recover in time.

Real Madrid was able to rest several key players at the weekend and the likes of Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal will all start in the Ethiad Stadium against a Manchester City side which shares many of the virtues and weaknesses of Madrid.

The side coached by former Madrid boss, Manuel Pellegrini, has a devastating attack led by Kevin de Bruyne and Kun Aguero, but at times looks vulnerable in defense and it will be interesting to see if Pellegrini sticks with central defenders Mangala and Otamendi, or risks the fitness of Vincent Kompany, who has only played one game in five weeks.

City also has a major doubt over Toure Yaya who appeared to suffer a thigh injury in Saturday's 4-0 cruise over Stoke City and his absence robbed the English side of control and firepower in midfield for what promises to be an open and exciting semi-final. Enditem