Real Madrid will be hit hard by the news that talismanic winger Cristiano Ronaldo will not be able to play any part in Los Blancos' Copa del Rey El Clásico final against arch-rivals Barcelona because of knee and thigh muscle issues

Carlo Ancelotti broke the news to Spanish press this morning, just one day before the match, news which left Real Madrid hopeful reeling.

"Cristiano is not available because we do not want to take risks. Tests show a muscular injury in Ronaldo's left hamstring. He has a problem that many footballers get towards the end of the season.It's a risk playing him, and that's not one we want to take, especially with so many more important games to come."

Ronaldo has been the main man in a high-flying Real Madrid side. The winger has managed 46 goals so far this season, with three of these helping guide Real Madrid to the final, a cup run which has seen them score 15 goals, not conceding one along the way.

Real will go into this game with the hope of avenging the 4-3 home defeat in the league just three weeks ago, as well as the chance to win the cup they last won three years ago, where they beat tomorrow nights' opposition by a single goal, from none other than Cristiano Ronaldo himself.

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