Ronaldo and Messi nursing injuries

Saturday, 19 March 2011 00:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

La Liga joint-top scorers Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with 27 goals apiece, were both working to shake off injuries in time for Saturday matches.

With 10 left to play this season, Messi’s Barcelona host Getafe (1900) defending a five-point lead at the top over second-placed Real Madrid, who visit city rivals Atletico Madrid at 2100.

Ronaldo returned after a muscle strain to help Real knock Olympique Lyon out of the Champions League on Wednesday, but was substituted in the second half and had ice strapped to his leg on the bench.

Jose Mourinho’s side have had only 72 hours to prepare for the derby and will be wary of aggravating the Portugal forward’s injury.

Messi was still having treatment on a bruised knee from last weekend but was expected to make the Barca squad while the injured Carles Puyol, Pedro and Maxwell are likely to miss out.