Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo is "at his best" ahead of Real Madrid's La Liga clash with neighbours Atletico Madrid this weekend.
The Portuguese international has been plagued with tendinitis in his left knee over the last few months, and has also struggled with a thigh muscle problem, forcing him to miss their club's last outing in the Spanish top flight and a Euro 2016 qualifier earlier this week.
However, the manager told reporters at his pre-match press conference: "Cristiano is at his best, he has worked very well for these weeks.
"He has no physical problems, has trained very well, and is in optimal condition. Cristiano plays whenever he is well, when he is not tired, and there are no risks of injury, the same as last year. Last year he did not play too much.
"In the end he had some small problems, but I believed he was managed well, as he scored many goals. Cristiano does not have a chronic injury. He had a knee problem last year, but that has recovered completely. He does not need to be careful, he trains the same as any other player."
Real currently sit 10th in the La Liga table, having won just once so far this season.
Sian Cowper
