Cristiano Ronaldo Reportedly Asks Barcelona for Medical Help After Madrid Snub

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly turned to archrivals Barcelona for advice as he attempts to return to fitness for the season's run-in.

Per Sky Sports' Nick Lustig, he picked up a hamstring problem against Villarreal on April 20. It has since been revealed his club failed to carry out a scan on the injury, leading him to miss Real's recent UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City. He is likely to be absent for Saturday's La Liga clash with Real Sociedad, too.

He has now "snubbed" Real's medical team and turned to Barca for advice "in a desperate bid to regain fitness," per Spanish outlet Sport (via Jack Ling in the Sun).

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It was previously reported Ronaldo, 31, had "lost faith" in Real's medical team and turned to "physiotherapist Joaquin Juan" as he tries to get fit for the semi-final second leg against City on Wednesday, per AS (h/t Sport).

He has now seemingly gone one step further by asking Los Blancos doctors "to contact Barcelona for a second opinion on his injury" as he "admires [their] professionalism," per Sport (via Ling).

Per Bleacher Report's Dean Jones, Ronaldo has been absolutely essential in Real's Champions League run this season, netting 16 times in just 10 matches:

In his absence against City at the Etihad, Real drew 0-0 and will be in serious danger of going out of the competition should the Sky Blues get an away goal at the Santiago Bernabeu.

With Ronaldo in the side, Real will be confident they can beat City and go through to the final even if the English side do find the back of the net.

But if he is not available once again, City will be given a major boost. 

Manager Zinedine Zidane is undoubtedly desperate to see the Portuguese international return, not least because Real are still in La Liga title race, sitting one point behind leaders Barca with three games of the season remaining.

He remains their most effective operator in front of goal and can win games by himself, while there are very few players who can intimidate opponents as Ronaldo does.