Cristiano Ronaldo injury: Real Madrid forward warned not to risk rushing back for Manchester City

Portugal's national team doctor fears the 31-year-old could return too soon and cause more damage to his hamstring

Ronaldo was not included in the matchday squad for Tuesday's goalless draw (Getty)

Cristiano Ronaldo has been warned that he could miss this summer’s European Championships if he rushes his comeback from a hamstring injury.

The Real Madrid forward is hoping to be available for his side’s Champions League semi-final against Manchester City on Wednesday, having sat out of last week’s goalless first leg.

Ronaldo, however, has now been told by his national team’s doctor that a run-out against City could result in more serious damage.

Dr Nuno Campos does not believe that the Portugal international, who did not feature in Real Madrid’s 1-0 league win over Real Sociedad on Saturday, should risk his fitness ahead of the tournament in France.

"If the diagnosis is really a micro tear, recovery lasts between 18 to 21 days – it takes 12 to 14 days to fully heal and another five to seven days for muscle recovery work,” said Campos, in an interview with a Portuguese newspaper which was initially picked up by AS.

“It would be less if it were a contracture and he could play against City," he added.

“If you do that, having a micro tear, you risk aggravating the injury and jeopardising participation in the Euros.

“Cristiano is not normal as he overcomes many limitations, but this is a physiological issue. It is difficult to be fit before 20 or 21 days.

“The treatment they say they will do with stem cells may hasten recovery days, but few. It's complicated.”

Karim Benzema is also a doubt for Wednesday's second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, after being substituted with a muscle problem during last Tuesday's 0-0 draw.