Simao mixed up over Ronaldo ahead of Madrid derby
By Iain Rogers
MADRID (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid winger Simao Sabrosa has mixed feelings about his Portuguese compatriot and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Saturday's La Liga clash between the city rivals.
Ronaldo has been sidelined for almost a month with an ankle injury and Simao said he hoped Real's world record signing would miss the match at the Calderon but be fit in time for Portugal's two-legged World Cup playoff against Bosnia later this month.
"Cristiano was the best player in the world last year but Real Madrid can't just depend on one man," he said on the club's website (www.clubatleticodemadrid.com).
"It's important for my country that he recovers from his injury but I hope it's after Saturday."
Second-placed Real's form has dipped in Ronaldo's absence and coach Manuel Pellegrini looks likely to be without him on Saturday after the club said he would seek a second opinion in the Netherlands after tests in Madrid had shown the injury had not completely healed and he was unable to return to training.
"It's clear that we need Cristiano because he is a very important player for us," Real defender Marcelo said on the club's website (www.realmadrid.com).
"I hope he recovers as quickly as possible but we have other players that can help the team a lot."
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