Optimistic Benitez: No Ronaldo injury

However, the former Liverpool manager expects Ronaldo to be fit for the club’s opening La Liga game against Sporting Gijon.

“I think the pressure at Real Madrid isn’t a problem for him, he’s a smart kid”.

Benitez told his pre-match press conference: “Cristiano has a problem in his lower back and has been working with the physios”.

Real, shorn of Benzema and Ronaldo due to injuries, dominated Sunday’s friendly in Oslo, but were left frustrated as a solid performance by goalkeeper Sascha Burchert and a lack of cutting edge proved decisive.

“We have a good team, but coaches always want to improve”, Benitez said after his side’s pre-seaoson 1-0 Audi Cup final defeat to Bayern Munich.

How will Rafa Benitez cope with Karim Benzema’s injury?

Pepe is a central figure for Real Madrid this season.

The report goes on to indicate that in recent seasons Real Madrid have sold the likes of Mesut Ozil, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria in order to bring in their major targets such as Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez. We hope he keeps getting better.

Real Madrid are leaning towards keeping Martin Odegaard at the club this season, something which will come as a blow to his suitors, a group which includes Scottish champions Celtic.

With the season fast approaching its start, it will be interesting to see how Real Madrid cope with the absence of the Frenchman from their starting line-up.