Ronaldo in doubt, Mourinho missing

Cristiano Ronaldo is in danger of missing Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey match against Levante on Wednesday due to tonsillitis.

The Portuguese superstar, who has played every competitive match this season, has been included in Real’s squad for the first leg of their round of 16 tie but is no certainty to take to the Bernabeu pitch for the Cup tie.

Xabi Alonso and Marcelos will make their return to the side after serving one-match suspensions in Real’s 1-0 league win over Sevilla on Sunday, but Sergio Ramos will rest after taking part in Sunday’s match.

“We will see how Cristiano Ronaldo evolves before tomorrow’s match,” assistant coach Aitor Karanka told reporters on Tuesday.

“Regarding Sergio Ramos, we decided to force his return for Sevilla, but we don’t want to risk anything tomorrow.”

“Xabi Alonso is a key player for Madrid and the national team. He is a great player and person.”

Karanka spoke in place of manager Jose Mourinho, who snubbed the press conference after reports surfaced of a fall-out with Real general manager Jorge Valdano.

“We decided that I should speak today. Mourinho spoke the other day and now I am talking,” Karanka said.

“We are all in the same boat. It doesn’t matter who comes out to speak.”

“All that matters is that we head to Cibeles (a fountain where Real celebrate their title wins) come May. I don’t mind coming out to speak. I am proud to do so.”

“Mourinho is great. He is a very eager person. We are two points off Barcelona (in La Liga) and we want to wrap up this tie if we can.”

“He doesn’t have a problem with Valdano or the club. He has his points of view. Some may agree and some may not. But that happens everywhere.”

“We have a lot of hope for the Copa del Rey. We want to play against Levante and close out the tie if we can.”

“Tomorrow we have an important match to play and we have a lot of hope riding on it. Fans want us to win. We will play a competitive starting eleven.”