Cristiano Ronaldo Injury: Updates on Real Madrid Star's Knee and Return

Christopher SimpsonJul 10, 2016

Portugal star forward Cristiano Ronaldo suffered a knee injury early in the UEFA Euro 2016 final against France after being involved in a clash of knees with Dimitri Payet. The Real Madrid man twice tried to play on after treatment but was eventually substituted. It is uncertain when he will be able to return for Los Blancos.

Continue for updates.

Ronaldo Out vs. Sevilla

Saturday, July 23

Chris Davie of Goal.com reported Ronaldo won't play in Real Madrid's Super Cup match on August 9 against Sevilla.

On July 11, AS reported that "early estimates suggest that the forward will be out for at least one month after the ligament sprain to his left knee."

The report stated that Ronaldo "is still to undergo more comprehensive tests which will give a better understanding of the time he will be need to recover although this type of injury can often mean six to eight weeks, however, Zidane will not take any risks with a player he still expects much of next season."

Ronaldo Comments on Injury

Sunday, July 10

Ronaldo told reporters after Portugal's 1-0 extra-time victory that he has a "small injury" but would not elaborate.

The Futbol Agent Twitter feed posted a still of when the 31-year-old picked up the problem:

Real Madrid Will Have Keen Eye on Ronaldo's Injury

At times in the 2015-16 season, it looked as though Ronaldo was in decline—he often failed to show his best under Rafael Benitez, and prior to netting the winner in April's El Clasico, he frequently cut a frustrated figure against the bigger sides he faced.

However, he still finished the campaign with another phenomenal goal haul and helped Los Blancos pick up their 11th UEFA Champions League title. Portugal went on to win the final of Euro 2016 too, with Ronaldo hoisting the trophy in Paris as the team captain.

For both club and country, he remains a hugely important figure, and neither side carry the same threat without him on the pitch—particularly Portugal, whose attacking alternatives primarily consist of Eder and Nani—so his fitness is paramount.

Real have more options, but manager Zinedine Zidane would love to have the veteran around for the start of pre-season.