Real insist Ronaldo will not be rushed back

Friday 20 November 2009 07:15 EST
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Sporting director Emilio Butragueno insists Real Madrid will exercise caution with the returning Cristiano Ronaldo.

The £80million winger has been sidelined for seven weeks with an ankle injury, but is scheduled to resume full training this weekend.

Ronaldo is reported to have set his sights on making his comeback against Barcelona on November 28, but Real will not rush the world's most expensive player back into premature action in time for the Clasico.

"I feel that Cristiano wants to play now and that enthusiasm can be detrimental because a relapse would be scary," said Butragueno.

"We must go slowly as Cristiano has had many days without training. It's not enough that the ankle is good but it must have the necessary reinforcement to compete.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is a great professional, he is a winner and has a commitment to the club and does everything possible to return, but when he returns he cannot have a relapse."

Valencia striker David Villa has revealed he has set his sights on besting Raul's goalscoring record for Spain.

The Real Madrid striker currently leads the way with 44 goals in 102 games for the European champions.

Villa has a better goals-to-games ration with 35 in 54 appearances and believes the national team record is within his reach.

"I have the utmost respect for Raul. I do not plan a date for that," he said when asked about the record.

"I go onto the field to do my job which is helping the team and scoring goals. Having said that, the earlier I achieve it the better for Spain.

"Spain has several players capable of giving a lethal final pass. I'm very lucky to have so many good people behind me.

"My job is to move, give options for a pass and be quick into score."

Meanwhile, striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is confident that Barcelona will overcome their Champions League wobbles and beat Internazionale to seal their progress as Group F winners.

The reigning European champions are currently third in their group behind Inter and Rubin Kazan after winning just one of their opening five games.

But Ibrahimovic, who swapped Inter for Barca during the summer, is confident of inflicting a defeat on his former club when they arrive at the Camp Nou next week.

"Inter are a very strong team with new players who are doing really well. We will have to play a great game, but I am sure that we will go through," said the Sweden striker.

"We have been a little unlucky thus far, but we have played really well. I am sure that we will get through."

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