Carlo Ancelotti has said his players will be fit and ready for the Champions League final after concerns emerged about the state of his squad with just one week to go.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the main worry after he pulled out of the game with Espanyol on Saturday, while Karim Benzema also left the field before full time appearing to be nuring a groin problem. But speaking to journalists after the 3-1 in the final league game of the campaign, the Italian said he is confident his players will be ready.
“Cristiano wasn’t comfortable before the game. Yesterday he trained well and was confident. We didn’t risk him; he has had a test and it looks like a minor spasm. We’re relaxed because he has time to recover and play in the final. He hasn’t played in the last few matches. It wasn’t a risk because he trained normally yesterday and was full of confidence,” Ancelotti said.
When asked about other players in the squad, Ancelotti said Benzema had a minor issue, and that the likes of Gareth Bale and Angel di Maria came through the game without any problem.
“Benzema suffered a minor abductor contracture when he passed the ball to Bale. I don’t think he will have any problems to play the final. Di María played without any problems and it was the same for Carvajal. Khedira needed minutes to regain his match fitness. Illarra was excellent. Now we will start thinking about the next game,” he stated.
