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

Cristiano Ronaldo is back in the Real Madrid fold after sitting out Los Blancos' Audi Cup matches with Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich with lower-back pain.

Continue for updates.

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Ronaldo Ready to Compete Ahead of La Liga Season

Tuesday, Aug. 18

"Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos have returned to the Real Madrid squad for their final preseason game in Tuesday night's XXXVI Santiago Bernabeu Trophy clash with Galatasaray," relayed Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC. Madrid provided the full squad list.

Ronaldo resumed training on Aug. 11, having played no role in Madrid's Audi Cup win over Spurs and subsequent defeat to German champions Bayern. Madrid cited minor back pain for his absence.

After a disappointing finish to the 2014-15 campaign saw former manager Carlo Ancelotti sacked, much is expected of Madrid under Rafa Benitez. As ever, Ronaldo is set to be a key figure for Los Blancos as the team's main scoring threat.

The 30-year-old has been one of the most feared finishers on the planet for years, as evidenced by this stat Forbes dug up:

Ronaldo isn't just a poacher, however. His raw athleticism and pace make him a nightmare to defend when he's running up and down the flanks, and he's always been a threat in the air. When Ronaldo is combined with Gareth Bale, who brings many of the same qualities to the pitch, the duo forms arguably the most athletic one-two punch in the game.

Real have a number of young talents—namely Isco and James Rodriguez—who can step into Ronaldo's free role, but neither can replicate the sensational numbers of the Portuguese.

As Benitez prepares to begin his assault on Barcelona's Liga crown, Ronaldo's return should ensure Madrid begin the new season firing on all cylinders.