Ronaldo still not ready

Ronaldo's long-awaited UEFA Champions League debut for Real Madrid CF has been put on hold because of an ankle injury suffered in training.

Did not train
The Brazil striker, who moved to Madrid from Internazionale FC at the end of last month for €45m, complained of pain in his left ankle after training yesterday. He then sat out today's session before coach Vicente del Bosque confirmed he would not play tomorrow night against KRC Genk.

Coach not worried
"The injury is not a worrying one," said Del Bosque. "We should not over-dramatise the situation just because he is not going to play tomorrow. We didn't sign him just for one match or one month, but for five years and I hope he will be able to make his debut very soon."

Medical advice
The 26-year-old forward was pulled out after a medical examination highlighted a minor strain around the ankle. Club doctors advised that his debut should be delayed to allow the injury to heal.

Ronaldo reassurance
"I want to reassure everyone that it is only a small strain and I will be ready to play very soon, although unfortunately I won't be able to play against Genk," said Ronaldo. The player has only just recovered from a minor muscle strain in his left leg and has not figured in any of Madrid's Primera División matches this season.

Top of table
Madrid welcome Belgian champions Genk for their second Group C match in the first group stage, after winning 3-0 away against AS Roma last week. Genk started with a goalless draw at home against AEK Athens FC.