Real's Ronaldo set to miss weekend encounter

Real Madrid star Ronaldo is likely to miss his club's league encounter with Malaga on Saturday with a bout of gastroenteritis, the club revealed.

The Brazilian , whose two goals at Valladolid last week rescued Real from defeat and left them two points clear of Valencia at the top of the table, missed Wednesday's Spanish Cup semi-final first leg win over Sevila with flu and will spend some days resting at home, club sources said Thursday.

"Ronaldo has gastroenteritis. His temperature came down a little but he spent the morning in bed," revealed club doctor Carlos Hernandez, who added there was a small chance he might train Friday if there were no complications.

He added: "We will see if he can be ready for Saturday."

If not, Javier Garcia Portillo is likely to start. Portuguese midfielder Luis Figo is also in doubt after suffering a blow to the ribs against Sevilla.

"Figo took a painful blow and fell awkwardly. Striking the ball was painful so he asked to come off. He's almost certain to play Saturday but we will have to wait and see how things develop," said Hernandez.

Defender Ivan Helguera is set to shake off a bruised left ankle to take his place against lowly Malaga at the Bernabeu.