Carlo Ancelotti says Cristiano Ronaldo is raring to go
ahead of Real Madrid's trip to Schalke in the UEFA Champions League round of
16.
Real head coach Ancelotti has been without the Portuguese
star for his team's last three La Liga matches after he was shown a straight
red card for an altercation with Athletic Bilbao's Carlos Gurpegui in a 1-1
draw on February 2.
Having had an initial appeal against the decision turned
down by the Spanish Football Federation, Real took their case to the Ministry
for Education, Culture and Sport, only for the government department to uphold
the original ruling.
Ancelotti stated that Ronaldo was disappointed to have
sat out three league matches, but is confident the 29-year-old can have a
starring role in the last-16 first-leg encounter at the Veltins-Arena on Wednesday.
"He's motivated because he is really looking forward
to get back playing," the Italian said.
"He was not happy about not being able to play and
he has prepared himself well for this game. Mentally and physically he is in
optimum condition."
Ronaldo, who has scored nine goals in just five Champions
League games this season, is expected for a form a front three with Karim
Benzema and Gareth Bale in Germany, with Jese Rodriguez set to drop to the
bench.
Culled from Soccerway
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