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

Real Madrid could be without their best player when they start the 2016/17 La Liga season, as Cristiano Ronaldo continues his recovery from a knee injury, per Reuters (via the Guardian).

Continue for updates.

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Zidane Willing to Be Patient with Ronaldo's Recovery

Thursday, Aug. 4

"Right now he still has his injury," said Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, per Reuters. "Obviously he wants to be back but we need patience and for him to be calm. He will be back with us soon in Madrid."

Ronaldo suffered a knee injury at Euro 2016 as he captained Portugal to championship glory in France. The attacker was forced off the field of play after a crunching tackle from Frenchman Dimitri Payet.

The player took an extended break in Ibiza after the tournament as he waited for further news of his knee injury, per Michael Gadd of The Mirror. 

Ronaldo had his knee strapped as he cheered on his national team from the technical area, breaking down in tears at the final whistle as he achieved international honours to add to his club achievements with the Galacticos and Manchester United.

The player struggled for form during Euro 2016 but was once again the driving force behind Los Blancos' UEFA Champions League success in 2015/16. 

Ronaldo scored 51 goals in only 48 appearances in La Liga and Europe, as Real captured their 11th European Cup triumph.

Marca previously reported the Portuguese will miss the forthcoming UEFA Super Cup final against Sevilla because of the knee injury:

The attacker has been tipped to once again win a Ballon d'Or crown in 2016 by France superstar Paul Pogba, with the midfielder proclaiming, per Marca: "I'd give the Ballon d'Or to Ronaldo, he won the Champions League and the European Championship. I like both [Ronaldo and Lionel Messi], but Antoine Griezmann has also had a wonderful year."

Real will struggle without their central goalscorer, but his injury opens the door for Gareth Bale to be the focal point.

Bale featured through the middle for his country at the Euros, and his pace and accuracy could see him mimic Ronaldo's returns in the final third of the pitch.