Cristiano Ronaldo’s ongoing problems with tendinitis in his knee are due to a heavy schedule of two games a week as Real Madrid fight on three fronts, says Xabi Alonso.
The veteran midfielder said Ronaldo was suffering from fatigue having played 21 games in just 13 weeks since the turn of the year. Los Blancos are still involved in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Champions League meaning the talisman has had no chance to take a break.
Such a heavy schedule caught up with him on Wednesday evening when he asked to be taken off as a precaution with Madrid leading 3-0 in eth first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie with Borussia Dortmund. It was feared Ronaldo would miss this weekend’s trip to Real Sociedad, but it is thought he will travel to San Sebastian with the squad.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Alonso warned that although so much football is excited for the fans, it takes its toll on the players.
“Cristiano did the right thing in coming off as a precaution but I don’t think he’ll have any problems for Saturday,” Alonso said. “He has a small niggle. It’s not surprising that there are so many injuries. We have to be careful with the calendar because everything’s very close together. In January for example the cup has a schedule that you don’t see in other countries.”
The World Cup winner has been the victim of the injury curse this season, but says he is now feeling fine and is raring to go as the season reaches its climax.
“I feel good, now is a time of very intense matches,” he continued. “I have to recover well and go into them 100 percent. Not every match is good but I try to stay consistent.
“With the 4-3-3 it’s not a question of covering more of the pitch, but being more stationary and supporting those around you. Everyone has to be together in attack and defence.”
