Ronaldo To Play 50 Games A Season

Real Madrid's medical chief Alfonso del Corral expects Ronaldo to be able to play between 40 and 50 games a season, even if he continues to suffer minor injury problems.

Ronaldo plagued by knee injuries during his last four years at Inter Milan but his return to form at the World Cup, where he was leading scorer with eight goals to lead Brazil to the title, persuaded Real to sign him.

Del Corral examined the 25-year-old player before his move to Real was finalised and he is satisfied with the state of his knee, although he recognises it will need constant vigilance.

"When I was told about the signing I was worried," Del Corral was quoted as saying in Spanish sports daily Marca.

"Those fears were reduced, though, after examining the knee. They've done an excellent job."

"Ronaldo won't be the same as he was before. He's going to make fantastic moves and he'll be able to play 40 to 50 games a season but I'm sure he'll suffer small injuries that will keep him out for a week or 10 days."

"We're going to have to look after him day by day."

Del Corral said earlier this week that Ronaldo, whose pre-season was disrupted by the uncertainty over his future, could be ready to play his first game for Real in the week beginning September 23.

That could see him making his Real debut against Genk in the Champions League on September 25.