Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema will not be fit for Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Tottenham.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s Primera Division game against Sporting Gijon, the Portuguese claimed Ronaldo, Benzema and Marcelo would not be available until the April 9 encounter with Athletic Bilbao.
He said: “Cristiano, Marcelo and Benzema can only play in Bilbao.”
Ronaldo has been struggling with a hamstring injury while fellow forward Benzema picked up a thigh strain on France duty and full-back Marcelo suffered a blow to the ribs while training with Brazil.
On a brighter note for Madrid, Gonzalo Higuain could make an earlier-than-expected return following back surgery.
The Argentina striker has been included in the squad for Saturday’s game, and Mourinho said:
“His recovery is a positive surprise because we thought he may miss up to the final 15 games of the season and having him is important.”
