With Liverpool struggling to qualify from their Champions League group, will they drop into the Europa League? See all the best odds on the Reds winning Europe’s second tier competition here.

Real Madrid have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will indeed have his ankle injury assessed by Portugal’s medical staff.

Ronaldo, who is suffering from an ankle injury, was a surprise inclusion by Portugal for their upcoming World Cup play-off matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Real are not expecting him to be fit inside two weeks and invited Portugal’s medical staff to assess the midfielder’s condition.

A statement on Real’s official website read: “Real Madrid wishes to announce that Cristiano Ronaldo will travel to Portugal in the next few hours to put himself at the disposal of the medical services of the Portuguese federation.”

Queiroz has defended his decision to ask Ronaldo to return to Portugal for assessment.

“Based on the rules and principles governing clubs and associations, we have put Cristiano in the squad,” he told Portuguese sports daily A Bola.

“Of course, I welcome that these principles have been met. I have always said that this is a technical decision and that everyone must be observed before being cleared to play.

“Cristiano and everyone will be observed. Our medical team are competent and responsible, and you will see what happens.

“I do not understand the nervousness in some sectors. It is a decision that is non-negotiable, unavoidable, a decision that protects the interests of the player.

“I was coach of Real. The club deserves respect; I know the medical team, president and CEO. I have every respect for that club.

“(But) this fact cannot compel me to put any club below or above the others. All clubs and players deserve equal treatment.”

With Liverpool struggling to qualify from their Champions League group, will they drop into the Europa League? See all the best odds on the Reds winning Europe’s second tier competition here.

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