Cristiano Ronaldo included in Real Madrid squad

Mike Perez,Pa
Monday 04 April 2011 18:09 BST
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Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in the Real Madrid squad for tomorrow's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Tottenham at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo had been a doubt for the match after suffering a hamstring injury against Atletico Madrid on March 19 that ruled him out of Portugal's two international friendlies and Saturday's Primera Division defeat to Sporting Gijon.

However, after the Sporting match, manager Jose Mourinho hinted that he might take a risk on Ronaldo to face Spurs and, after this afternoon's training session, included the world's most expensive player in a 19-man squad.

Also named in Mourinho's squad were Brazilian duo Marcelo and Kaka, as well as Argentina winger Angel Di Maria, who had all been fitness doubts along with Ronaldo.

Full-back Marcelo picked up a rib injury while on international duty, while Kaka has been absent since late February with a knee injury and Di Maria suffered a knock against Sporting.

Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain is also included again having made his return to action against Sporting after over four months out with a back problem that required surgery.

However, in-form forward Karim Benzema misses out through injury, as confirmed by Mourinho earlier today.

Benzema, who has scored 12 goals in his last 12 games and 21 in all competitions this season, suffered a hamstring injury with France.

Midfield duo Fernando Gago and Pedro Leon are also missing through injury, while Raul Albiol and Sergio Canales have been omitted by Mourinho.

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