Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is reportedly planning to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for Wednesday night's La Liga clash with Leganes.
Ronaldo has scored 10 goals and registered two assists in his last six games across all competitions, including six in his last three as Madrid have begun to rediscover their best form at home and in Europe.
However, with the defending Spanish champions currently sitting 17 points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona, Zidane is expected to take the opportunity to rest his 32-year-old talisman.
"I don't know how many years he went without stopping, but now the moment has come where it's necessary for him and for everyone for him to not play from time to time," Zidane is quoted as saying by Marca.
Ronaldo's rest is understood to be with one eye on the Champions League, with Madrid's second leg against Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon.
Wednesday's match was initially due to be played in gameweek 16 of the season, but it was postponed due to Madrid's participation in the Club World Cup.
Barney Corkhill
