Madrid, Dec 2 (IANS) Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho will be able to count on striker Cristiano Ronaldo for his side’s potentially complicated trip to face Sporting Gijon Saturday evening in the Spanish La Liga football.
Ronaldo had been doubtful for the match after missing his side’s training sessions Tuesday and Wednesday as a result of a twisted ankle that he suffered against Atletico Madrid last weekend, Xinhua reported.
However, the forward, who is currently top scorer in Spain with 16 goals in La LIga this season, was able to train with his teammates Thursday and will no doubt start Saturday.
One player who will not play is Xabi Alonso, who is suspended after seeing a yellow card for obstruction last weekend. The booking means he completes a cycle of five yellow cards, but will see him free of any risk of suspension when his side entertain FC Barcelona Dec 10.
Alonso has been vital for Madrid this season and it will be interesting to see how Mourinho replaces a player who has started every league match for his club to date.
Nuri Sahin has just about completed his return from injury and could start, although Mourinho could be loathe to risk the creative Turk in what is likely to be a physical match.
A second option is to pair Lassana Diarra and Sami Khedira in central midfield, although that option leaves Madrid lacking some creativity, otherwise Esteban Granero could be given a rare opportunity.
Sporting meanwhile dropped back into the relegation zone last Sunday following a 4-0 defeat away to Levante in a game where individual defensive errors cost Manuel Preciado’s side dear.
Preciado has drilled into his players the need to defend deeper than they did in Valencia and not to leave spaces for players such as Ronaldo and Angel de Maria to exploit.
The Asturians were difficult rivals for Madrid last season, losing 1-0 in the El Molinon Stadium and actually winning 1-0 in Madrid. Therefore, Mourinho is unlikely to underestimate them and it promises to be a tight and tough fought contest played in front of a packed house and a passionate crowd.
