体坛英语新闻：Optimistic Benitez: No Ronaldo injury

MADRID, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez has explained that striker Cristiano Ronaldo was suffering any kind of serious injury.

The striker missed out in the Audi Cup in Germany in midweek and has not travelled for Sunday's friendly game in Norway, prompting worries that his back problem was more serious than at first thought.

Speaking ahead of that game in Oslo, which will be played just two weeks before the kick off of the BBVA Primera Liga season, Benitez assured those present in his press conference that Ronaldo's problems were not that bad.

"Cristiano had a problem the other day and he has been working with the medical team. He should be ok next week and I don't think he'll have any problems playing the opening game against Sporting (Gijon)," said the Real Madrid coach, who was happy with pre-season preparations despite injuries to Karim Benzema and Portuguese defender Pepe.

"Two players have suffered injuries, while the rest have only felt twinges or discomfort... It's positive how the squad is shaping up physically," explained Benitez

Finally as Real Madrid close in on the kick off to the new season at home to recently promoted Sporting, the former Liverpool, Valencia, Chelsea and Napoli boss was looking forward to what lay ahead.

"The pre-season has been very positive. The team looks good, but we still have margin to improve. I think we give the impression of being a solid team and I am feeling optimistic," he concluded.