Internet Desk: In a bid to keep Cristiano Ronaldo fit for the El Classico on December 03, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane will be resting his star striker for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash against Cultural Leonosa.
Although the 31 year old Portuguese striker have to sit out for tomorrow’s clash, it will also mark the return of Casemiro who is all set to make a comeback after a two-month lay-off due to injury.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has decided to rest Ronaldo ahead of the Classico in order to ensure he is 100 per cent for Saturday’s Clasico clash at Nou Camp.
Real Madrid will have an opportunity to extend its lead to 9 points with Barcelona.
Another reason for Zidane to rest Ronaldo is that in its last Copa del Rey encounter against Leonosa, Real recorded a 2-1 win at Cultural in the first leg without their star attacker.
The Real Madrid coach has confirmed Ronaldo will once again be missing in the return fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Wednesday’s game is a chance for Ronaldo to have some rest,” Zidane said at a press conference.
Nevertheless, the Madrid coach was adamant that they will not take the match lightly, before confirming that Casemiro will make his comeback after a two-month lay-off due to a fractured leg.
“It is true that 7-1 is a very good result for us, but we must respect the opponent, and the fans who come to support us,” he added.
“I hold Cultural in high esteem. They are a good team that can cause us problems.
“Casemiro will get minutes. It will be his first game back, so we will have to see and see how he feels for Saturday’s match. But he is ready to play.”