Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane will not be a happy man.
Real Madrid's man-in-form Marco Asensio has been ruled out of the holders' Champions League opener for the most bizarre reason.
Madrid, who take on Apoel Nicosia on Thursday, will be without the services of Asensio after the attacking midfielder picked up an injury while shaving his legs!
Coach Zinedine Zidane confirmed the 21-year-old would be missing from Thursday's game after infecting a pimple while shaving his legs. "He has a pimple on his leg which means he cannot lift his sock," the Frenchman said between laughs.
According to Spanish newspaper ABC, Asensio's hair got infected thanks to a razor. The youngster has enjoyed a flying start to the season, scoring four goals in Madrid's opening six games.
Zidane, though, is pleased as punch at having star striker Cristiano Ronaldo back in the line-up. The Portuguese has been starved of football so far this season due to a long suspension.
Ronaldo was given a five-game ban for being sent off and pushing a referee in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona in August, leading him to miss Real's first three Liga games and next week's trip to Real Sociedad, but is clear to face Cypriot champions Apoel.
"He's in a very good mood and is very happy to play, because this is what he really loves, playing football, but he's also right mentally and he's happy to be on the pitch again," Zidane told a news conference.
Ronaldo's return boosts Real's attack after a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Levante on Saturday, their second successive home draw which left them trailing early Liga leaders Barcelona and Real Sociedad by four points.
"We all know how good Cristiano is and I prefer him to be with us all the time. We can't talk about Cristiano-dependence, I want everyone to be available all the time," added the Frenchman. "Cristiano doesn't just contribute goals, he's a leader, he always wants to win and he transmits that to everyone else. We're all excited to have him back with us."
(Inputs from Reuters)
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