Injured “Ronaldo” to miss Vallecano match after being diagnosed with a muscle strain

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo will not face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday after being diagnosed with a muscle strain in his right thigh.

Zinedine Zidane’s side, who are one point behind leaders Barcelona and second-placed Atletico Madrid with four games left, will assess him before Tuesday’s trip to Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

Gareth Bale has returned to training after missing Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Villarreal with a back injury.

In the reverse fixture, Real – under Rafael Benitez – beat Madrid neighbours Rayo 10-2, with Wales forward Bale scoring four goals.