Zinedine Zidane gives key injury update ahead of Kiev showdown

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Liverpool will have to beat the best Real Madrid have to offer if they hope to seal Champions League glory in Kiev next week.

Whilst the Reds enter the contest with injury concerns, their opponents look set to flaunt a full-strength squad as they seek their third consecutive European Cup.

Doubts looming over the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo have been firmly quashed by manager Zinedine Zidane following the forward’s ankle injury against Barcelona two weeks ago.

The no.7 is now expected to be available for Real’s final-day La Liga clash away to Villarreal, although it remains to be seen how many regular starters Zidane will be prepared to play with the final just one week away.

“Cristiano is at 120%,” said Zidane, per the Liverpool Echo.

“He trained normally all week and he is ready (for Villarreal).”

“I don’t think about injuries. It’s good to play (on Saturday) to find rhythm and intensity. We have to play well and be ready for the final. Nothing can replace the intensity of a match.”

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Whilst Zidane’s men prepare for a meaningless league outing, Liverpool are enjoying a welcomed change of scenery in the sunshine of Marbella.

Though Jurgen Klopp will be keen to avoid a loss of momentum, the break also serves as a timely opportunity for his squad to refresh following a gruelling shift amid an injury-stricken period for the club.

As it stands, the Liverpool boss will have Adam Lallana at his disposal next Saturday following the midfielder’s long-awaited return from injury.

Emre Can remains a doubt, however, after recent scans on his back injury returned inconclusive results to inflict a crushing blow to his recovery.

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