CRISTIANO RONALDO HAS failed to shake off a groin strain in time for tonight’s Champions League semi-final against Manchester City.
The Real Madrid forward trained with his team-mates at the Etihad Stadium last night but has been left out of the matchday squad by Zinedine Zidane.
Ronaldo suffered the muscle injury during the La Liga victory over Villarreal a fortnight ago and despite Zidane saying he would be fit for tonight, the 31-year-old will sit the first leg out.
His absence provides a huge boost to Man City before a ball is kicked with the Portugal international scoring 16 Champions League goals this season, as well as being directly involved in 20 of his side’s 26 goals in the competition.
Ronaldo, currently a goal short of his own record of 17 goals in a single campaign, appeared on the pitch before the game and made a thumbs-down gesture towards supporters.
Karim Benzema, meanwhile, is fit to start in a team which shows five changes from the XI that beat Rayo.
For City, Yaya Toure misses out through injury while Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy return to the side.
Kick-off at Eastlands is at 7.45pm and you can follow the game live here.
Manchester City: Hart; Sagna, Kompany, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernando, Fernandinho, Navas, Silva, De Bruyne; Aguero.
Subs: Caballero, Mangala, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Delph, Sterling, Iheanacho.
Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Bale, Benzema, Vasquez.
Subs: Casilla, Varane, James, Kovacic, Jese, Isco, Danilo.
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