Robinho may get first Madrid start because of injury to Ronaldo

Robinho's chances of making his first start for Real Madrid were boosted Tuesday when the club said Ronaldo may miss Saturday's game against Celta Vigo because of a right thigh strain.

Ronaldo was injured in Brazil's 5-0 weekend World Cup qualifying victory over Chile that clinched its qualification for next year's finals.

He has already been ruled out of Brazil's friendly with Sevilla on Tuesday to mark the Spanish team's centenary.

Ronaldo would likely be replaced against Celta by fellow Brazil striker Robinho, who made a spectacular debut as a substitute against Cadiz on Aug. 28. He helped set up a late winning goal in a 2-1 victory.

Madrid's match with Celta is its first of the league season at its Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Madrid kicks off its Champions League campaign the following Tuesday with a visit to French champion Lyon.