Cristiano Ronaldo injury fears played down

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has played down fears that he could be out for a while by describing his substitution early in the second half against Almeria as a precaution.

The 28-year-old, who scored his 25th goal his club this season against the lowly opponents, scared Real Madrid staff and supporters alike when he came off just nine minutes into the second half with a muscle problem.

Speaking after the game, the Portuguese international, the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or following an outstanding 2013 in whiche he has scored 67 goals for club and country, said the injury was not serious.

“It was for precaution,” Ronaldo said. ”It’s nothing special. I was kicked in the first half and had the muscle a little stiff.”

Manager Carlo Ancelotti also relieved fears the star man could be set for a spell on the sidelines, saying Ronaldo will recover soon. He told reporters: “”I don’t think it’s important. He wasn’t in pain. I think he will recover soon.”

Ancelotti had to shuffle his pack yesterday thanks to a string of injuries – Sami Khedira will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury, while Raphael Varane, Angel di Maria, Marcelo and Fabio Coentrao all sat out the game.