Ronaldo back in Real Madrid squad

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, sidelined by an ankle injury since the end of August, will play at home against Osasuna on Saturday, the team said on Friday.

Manager Jose Mourinho has placed the Portuguese star back in the squad for the La Liga clash at Santiago Bernabeu, the first home match of the season, the Madrid club announced on its website.

“In the team for the first league match at Santiago Bernabeu, the big news is the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo after recovering from the injury he suffered on the first day against Mallorca,” read a statement on the site.

Real had said Ronaldo would be out for three weeks after taking a knock to the right ankle during the 0-0 draw against Real Mallorca on August 29.

The former Manchester United player had said on Wednesday that he was almost recovered and might be fit in time for his club’s first Champions League group phase match against Ajax on September 15.

Ronaldo missed Portugal’s shock 4-4 draw with minnows Cyprus in a Euro 2012 qualifier on September 3 and the team’s 1-0 loss to Norway four days later.