Carlo Ancelotti: "Cristiano Ronaldo Is Cleared to Go, But He Will Rest Against Real Sociedad"

Carlo Ancelotti spoke the day before travelling to San Sebastián to play against a tough Real Sociedad squad. The Italian coach announced that Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature in the game and he also talked about the busy schedule for the Spanish clubs.

It is normal to have injuries because the schedule is really tough. We played nine games in January, while teams in Germany for example have a winter break. All the Spanish teams have a busy schedule now and it is normal to have injuries.

Cristiano Ronaldo left the game against Borussia Dortmund with a slight problem on his knee. Ancelotti said that he will not be available.

We will give him some rest because he's tired and we want to avoid further risks. We have some important games, he'll be fresher next Tuesday and will be able to handle our busy schedule. I talked to him and he agreed with the decision although he obviously wants to play every match,

If Cristiano Ronaldo is indeed tired, it's hard to understand Ancelotti's decision. The Portuguese player should play against Real Sociedad and then rest for the second leg against Dortmund. Real Madrid can only get a win this Saturday while the 3-0 lead against the German squad is manageable.

Isco is going to play. We can switch the position of the strikers. Bale could play on the left with Di María, who is on the list, on the right. Morata could also play. I don't think Di María will start because he's lost some weight because of his stomach bug.

About Jesé, who is flying back to Germany to check his knee out, Ancelotti said:

Jesé has had a fever and a swallowed knee. He needs to have a test by the doctor who made the surgery. It's nothing big, he just has not had any good luck this season.