Lebron James celebrated his 25th birthday with 48 points to guide the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 106-101 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Anderson Varejao also made the first three-pointer of his career with just 17.2 seconds left to tip the game in the home side's favour.
Elsewhere, the Indiana Pacers slumped to their eighth straight defeat as Rudy Gay scored 31 points for the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, while Vince Carter scored 25 points to help the Orlando Magic to a comfortable 117-92 victory at home against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The New Jersey Nets claimed only their third win of the season against the New York Knicks. The Nets ended a 10-game losing streak with the 104-95 victory with Brook Lopez returning 21 points and 14 rebounds.
The Utah Jazz saw a 17-point lead cut to three with just 35 seconds left before finally seeing off the Minnesota Timberwolves 107-103 and it was a similar story in New Orleans where the Hornets hit two late free throws to secure a 95-91 victory over the Miami Heat. Amare Stoudemire and Channing Frye each scored 26 points as the Phoenix Suns handed the Boston Celtics their third straight defeat by 116-98.
In the night's other games, the Portland Trail Blazers beat the LA Clippers 103-99 and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Sacramento Kings 116-106.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Ian Baker - English sport has a new hero in Graeme Swann
English sport has found itself a new hero. A player with character, spirit and belief in the mould of a Paul Gascoigne, Ricky Hatton or even Andrew Flintoff. A real joker in the pack. That man is Graeme Swann.
On the field, the spinner has now taken 54 wickets in 2009, the best ever by an Englishmen in a calendar. But it is the buzz and belief that he gives his side on and off the pitch that really creates him.
When asked how the pitch will pan out after day three of the Durban Test, Swann told the media: "I really don’t know, you’ll have to ask Straussy, that's why I’ll never be an England captain."
He laughed at himself and the room erupted. Swann has been England's player of 2009, no doubt about it.
He is proving to be England's greatest spinner since the likes of John Emburey, yes better than Phil Tufnell, Ashley Giles and Monty Panesar.
At last this country has a truly world-class spin bowler which other countries are genuinely frightened about. Swann has 14 Test wickets in this series so far and has thoroughly deserved them.
But he has delivered with the bat too. His 85 at Centurion lifted the mood around the England dressing room when it needed it most. Swann the positive character really stands a class apart amongst other men to have played for England.
He scored 22 off just 14 balls when England needed to score quick runs in the Durban Test. It is a shame that Swann was not considered for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
That award has fast become not only a Sportsman of the Year award but a popularity contest too.
And given Swann's reputation amongst England players and supporters, he should at the very least have been considered.
The dour Ryan Giggs, who has achieved very little in terms of sporting achievements this year, or a man that has given English cricket a real boost?
In the true sense of the world popularity, Swann stands hands down. You'd go along way to find someone who is a greater champion - on and off the pitch.
IAN BAKER WILL BE BLOGGING FROM SOUTH AFRICA THROUGHOUT THE TEST SERIES /Cricket.co.uk/
On the field, the spinner has now taken 54 wickets in 2009, the best ever by an Englishmen in a calendar. But it is the buzz and belief that he gives his side on and off the pitch that really creates him.
When asked how the pitch will pan out after day three of the Durban Test, Swann told the media: "I really don’t know, you’ll have to ask Straussy, that's why I’ll never be an England captain."
He laughed at himself and the room erupted. Swann has been England's player of 2009, no doubt about it.
He is proving to be England's greatest spinner since the likes of John Emburey, yes better than Phil Tufnell, Ashley Giles and Monty Panesar.
At last this country has a truly world-class spin bowler which other countries are genuinely frightened about. Swann has 14 Test wickets in this series so far and has thoroughly deserved them.
But he has delivered with the bat too. His 85 at Centurion lifted the mood around the England dressing room when it needed it most. Swann the positive character really stands a class apart amongst other men to have played for England.
He scored 22 off just 14 balls when England needed to score quick runs in the Durban Test. It is a shame that Swann was not considered for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
That award has fast become not only a Sportsman of the Year award but a popularity contest too.
And given Swann's reputation amongst England players and supporters, he should at the very least have been considered.
The dour Ryan Giggs, who has achieved very little in terms of sporting achievements this year, or a man that has given English cricket a real boost?
In the true sense of the world popularity, Swann stands hands down. You'd go along way to find someone who is a greater champion - on and off the pitch.
IAN BAKER WILL BE BLOGGING FROM SOUTH AFRICA THROUGHOUT THE TEST SERIES /Cricket.co.uk/
Hamstring injury hits cup hopes of Manchester City's Stephen Ireland
Stephen Ireland is set to miss the first leg of Manchester City's Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester United after the midfielder picked up a hamstring injury in City's 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 23-year-old, who was substituted after 55 minutes at Molineux, was assessed this morning and will be out for the next fortnight.
He will miss the FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough on Saturday along with the club's home game with Blackburn in the league on 11 January and the fixture away to Everton the following Saturday. The club will hope to have the player back for the second leg against United at Old Trafford on 19 January.
Ireland's absence is a blow to City's manager, Roberto Mancini, who is facing a shortage of players. With Kolo Touré and Emmanuel Adebayor on African Nations Cup duty with the Ivory Coast and Togo respectively and Joleon Lescott, Nedum Onuoha and Wayne Bridge all sidelined through injury, the Italian has problems in defence.
Little wonder it he is ready to bring in Iván Córdoba from Internazionale as a reinforcement, although Mancini has admitted he is meeting some resistance./Guardian/
He will miss the FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough on Saturday along with the club's home game with Blackburn in the league on 11 January and the fixture away to Everton the following Saturday. The club will hope to have the player back for the second leg against United at Old Trafford on 19 January.
Ireland's absence is a blow to City's manager, Roberto Mancini, who is facing a shortage of players. With Kolo Touré and Emmanuel Adebayor on African Nations Cup duty with the Ivory Coast and Togo respectively and Joleon Lescott, Nedum Onuoha and Wayne Bridge all sidelined through injury, the Italian has problems in defence.
Little wonder it he is ready to bring in Iván Córdoba from Internazionale as a reinforcement, although Mancini has admitted he is meeting some resistance./Guardian/
Argentina suffers Messi conundrum
When the soccer historians look back at this past year, 2009 undoubtedly will go down as the year of FC Barcelona. The Spanish giants won an unprecedented six titles -- winning every tournament in which they participated -- and became the most successful squad in history. While Barça has arguably the most depth of any squad in the world, with quality players at every position, its domination wouldn't have been possible without the inspiration of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.
Messi was extraordinary for Barcelona, and last week was awarded for his individual achievements by being named FIFA World Player of the Year for 2009. "La Pulga" blew away his closest rivals, winning the vote by a lopsided margin after a memorable campaign in which he scored 38 goals in 51 matches in all competitions.
More than a few of those goals were clutch -- not only did Messi score Barcelona's winning goal (a sensational header) against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final, but earlier this past month, he scored his team's winner in extra time in the Club World Cup final against Argentina's Estudiantes de La Plata.
But while that goal was also a gem -- Messi expertly chested home a precise Dani Alves cross -- it also sparked a great deal of controversy and called out further attention to Messi's only weakness: success with the Argentine national team.
Back in La Plata, frustrated Estudiantes fans couldn't accept that Messi had inflicted defeat upon their team, and some reacted by demonstrating their disapproval of the diminutive superstar. Those supporters, who have become accustomed to seeing Messi rake in the titles with Barcelona while continuing to under-perform for the national team, expressed their anger by spray-painting insults on walls throughout the city in protest.
The common perception in Argentina is that Messi is more Spanish than Argentine -- he's one player when playing for his club and another when he suits up for his country. The 22-year-old Messi may have guided Argentina to the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, as well as the Under-20 World Cup in the Netherlands in '05 (scoring both of Argentina's goals in the final), but he has failed to make an impact with the senior team.
What particularly annoys Argentine fans is that Messi was clearly the best player in the world during the '08-09 European season with his consistently outstanding play for Barça. But each time he arrived in South America for World Cup qualifying, he was completely off his game and didn't appear to come close to having the same level of motivation for his national team. As a result, many Argentines started referring to him as a "pecho frío" -- literally, "cold chest," a term given to somebody with little feeling or emotion.
With Messi a non-factor during key games, including a devastating home defeat to archrival Brazil in September, it was even rumored that Argentina boss Diego Maradona might go to the extreme of dropping the attacker for future games (which never happened, as Argentina pulled out a berth in the 2010 World Cup on its final match day).
Even Brazilian President Lula da Silva, a passionate fan of the Seleção, is one of many observers who have differentiated between Messi's game with Barcelona and that with los Albicelestes.
"Thank God Messi doesn't play for the Argentine national team even 10 percent as good as he does for Barcelona," Lula told Brazilian radio station O Dia. "That leaves us Brazilians satisfied."
Even if almost the entire load of the pressure was fixated on Maradona during qualifying -- whether it be for the poor results, his bizarre team selections or the fact that his side couldn't find a clear game plan -- it was obvious the team was also suffering from the absence of the "real" Messi.
The Argentine press came to two conclusions over his deep struggles: that Messi is complemented by better players at Barcelona and that he doesn't have the same passion for the Argentina jersey that he has for Barcelona's because he has spent the past 10 years living in Spain, and owes everything to the club. (Although Messi was a youth product of Rosario-based club Newell's Old Boys, he never played an Argentine Primera División match.)
Messi migrated to Spain at age 12 because Barcelona (which noticed his tremendous potential) was willing to take care of his medical expenses after he was diagnosed with a growth-hormone deficiency. With the help of Barça, Messi quickly moved up the club's youth ranks, and broke into the first team in '04 at age 17.
Argentines are well known for their patriotism, whether it's in soccer or any other activity, for that matter. And although they were kept informed of Messi's progress over the years, they often questioned his loyalty to Argentina.
"I get annoyed when they say that I don't feel the Albiceleste [jersey]," Messi was quoted by Spanish daily El País last week. "Nothing makes me angrier than them to tell me that I'm not an Argentine. What do they know about my emotions?"
"Life took me to Barcelona. As a child, I dreamed about playing in the Argentine first division, to put on the Albiceleste; nothing gives me more motivation. I think like an Argentine and I live in Catalonia, but I feel very Argentine. For one, it is very difficult to talk about emotions, so how do they know how I feel? I don't mind them calling me 'the Catalan,' but I get annoyed when they treat me like I'm not an Argentine."
Messi may have failed to produce his club form with his country during World Cup qualifying, but the explanation isn't as simple as a supposed lack of heart. At Barcelona, he's surrounded by a much more compact side, with very intelligent teammates and a coach who knows exactly how to get the most out of him.
When Pep Guardiola arrived at the Camp Nou, Messi's influence grew considerably. With the departures of Ronaldinho and Deco, Messi was provided with a greater responsibility within the squad, which allowed him to flourish like never before.
The otherworldly quality of Barcelona's midfield is another factor. The uncanny vision and sublime distribution of Spanish internationals Xavi and Andrés Iniesta have been essential in Messi's rise. Both players have done a brilliant job in controlling Barça's midfield, which has given Messi added freedom to work to his strengths: his ability to penetrate defenses with his blistering speed, allowing him to find the back of the net on a regular basis.
With Argentina, however, the situation is much different. Los Albicelestes lack a clear game plan under Maradona. Although they have loads of talent, they have no cohesion, particularly because of the lack of a capable anchor man to serve as Messi's Xavi or Iniesta.
Veteran midfielder Juan Sebastián Verón has filled that role at times, but at 34, he's well past his prime and now plays a substantially more defensive role. Whether Maradona likes it or not, the key to unlocking Messi's potential might be the return of Boca Juniors playmaker Juan Román Riquelme. Not only is Riquelme's radar-like passing capable of penetrating the best of defenses, but his intelligent positioning means he's the ideal link between midfield and attack.
In recent weeks, there has been talk that AFA president Julio Grondona could try to convince Maradona and Riquelme to get together in an attempt to sort out their differences. If that's the case, Argentina's chances of making an impact in the World Cup would be boosted considerably. Riquelme's influence on the field would also help take pressure off Messi's shoulders, possibly allowing him to replicate his Barcelona form.
Messi knows the only way he'll be able to silence his critics is by playing a starring role for Argentina at the World Cup. He already has his mind set on South Africa, and sees the tournament as the perfect opportunity to gain the admiration of the Argentine public.
After a flawless year which couldn't have gone any better with Barcelona, Messi outlined his next objective.
"Hopefully I can pick up my game with the national team," he told Argentine daily Olé. "That's what I want most. The only way to improve from what we did this year is by being world champions with the national team."/SportsIllustrated/
Messi was extraordinary for Barcelona, and last week was awarded for his individual achievements by being named FIFA World Player of the Year for 2009. "La Pulga" blew away his closest rivals, winning the vote by a lopsided margin after a memorable campaign in which he scored 38 goals in 51 matches in all competitions.
More than a few of those goals were clutch -- not only did Messi score Barcelona's winning goal (a sensational header) against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final, but earlier this past month, he scored his team's winner in extra time in the Club World Cup final against Argentina's Estudiantes de La Plata.
But while that goal was also a gem -- Messi expertly chested home a precise Dani Alves cross -- it also sparked a great deal of controversy and called out further attention to Messi's only weakness: success with the Argentine national team.
Back in La Plata, frustrated Estudiantes fans couldn't accept that Messi had inflicted defeat upon their team, and some reacted by demonstrating their disapproval of the diminutive superstar. Those supporters, who have become accustomed to seeing Messi rake in the titles with Barcelona while continuing to under-perform for the national team, expressed their anger by spray-painting insults on walls throughout the city in protest.
The common perception in Argentina is that Messi is more Spanish than Argentine -- he's one player when playing for his club and another when he suits up for his country. The 22-year-old Messi may have guided Argentina to the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, as well as the Under-20 World Cup in the Netherlands in '05 (scoring both of Argentina's goals in the final), but he has failed to make an impact with the senior team.
What particularly annoys Argentine fans is that Messi was clearly the best player in the world during the '08-09 European season with his consistently outstanding play for Barça. But each time he arrived in South America for World Cup qualifying, he was completely off his game and didn't appear to come close to having the same level of motivation for his national team. As a result, many Argentines started referring to him as a "pecho frío" -- literally, "cold chest," a term given to somebody with little feeling or emotion.
With Messi a non-factor during key games, including a devastating home defeat to archrival Brazil in September, it was even rumored that Argentina boss Diego Maradona might go to the extreme of dropping the attacker for future games (which never happened, as Argentina pulled out a berth in the 2010 World Cup on its final match day).
Even Brazilian President Lula da Silva, a passionate fan of the Seleção, is one of many observers who have differentiated between Messi's game with Barcelona and that with los Albicelestes.
"Thank God Messi doesn't play for the Argentine national team even 10 percent as good as he does for Barcelona," Lula told Brazilian radio station O Dia. "That leaves us Brazilians satisfied."
Even if almost the entire load of the pressure was fixated on Maradona during qualifying -- whether it be for the poor results, his bizarre team selections or the fact that his side couldn't find a clear game plan -- it was obvious the team was also suffering from the absence of the "real" Messi.
The Argentine press came to two conclusions over his deep struggles: that Messi is complemented by better players at Barcelona and that he doesn't have the same passion for the Argentina jersey that he has for Barcelona's because he has spent the past 10 years living in Spain, and owes everything to the club. (Although Messi was a youth product of Rosario-based club Newell's Old Boys, he never played an Argentine Primera División match.)
Messi migrated to Spain at age 12 because Barcelona (which noticed his tremendous potential) was willing to take care of his medical expenses after he was diagnosed with a growth-hormone deficiency. With the help of Barça, Messi quickly moved up the club's youth ranks, and broke into the first team in '04 at age 17.
Argentines are well known for their patriotism, whether it's in soccer or any other activity, for that matter. And although they were kept informed of Messi's progress over the years, they often questioned his loyalty to Argentina.
"I get annoyed when they say that I don't feel the Albiceleste [jersey]," Messi was quoted by Spanish daily El País last week. "Nothing makes me angrier than them to tell me that I'm not an Argentine. What do they know about my emotions?"
"Life took me to Barcelona. As a child, I dreamed about playing in the Argentine first division, to put on the Albiceleste; nothing gives me more motivation. I think like an Argentine and I live in Catalonia, but I feel very Argentine. For one, it is very difficult to talk about emotions, so how do they know how I feel? I don't mind them calling me 'the Catalan,' but I get annoyed when they treat me like I'm not an Argentine."
Messi may have failed to produce his club form with his country during World Cup qualifying, but the explanation isn't as simple as a supposed lack of heart. At Barcelona, he's surrounded by a much more compact side, with very intelligent teammates and a coach who knows exactly how to get the most out of him.
When Pep Guardiola arrived at the Camp Nou, Messi's influence grew considerably. With the departures of Ronaldinho and Deco, Messi was provided with a greater responsibility within the squad, which allowed him to flourish like never before.
The otherworldly quality of Barcelona's midfield is another factor. The uncanny vision and sublime distribution of Spanish internationals Xavi and Andrés Iniesta have been essential in Messi's rise. Both players have done a brilliant job in controlling Barça's midfield, which has given Messi added freedom to work to his strengths: his ability to penetrate defenses with his blistering speed, allowing him to find the back of the net on a regular basis.
With Argentina, however, the situation is much different. Los Albicelestes lack a clear game plan under Maradona. Although they have loads of talent, they have no cohesion, particularly because of the lack of a capable anchor man to serve as Messi's Xavi or Iniesta.
Veteran midfielder Juan Sebastián Verón has filled that role at times, but at 34, he's well past his prime and now plays a substantially more defensive role. Whether Maradona likes it or not, the key to unlocking Messi's potential might be the return of Boca Juniors playmaker Juan Román Riquelme. Not only is Riquelme's radar-like passing capable of penetrating the best of defenses, but his intelligent positioning means he's the ideal link between midfield and attack.
In recent weeks, there has been talk that AFA president Julio Grondona could try to convince Maradona and Riquelme to get together in an attempt to sort out their differences. If that's the case, Argentina's chances of making an impact in the World Cup would be boosted considerably. Riquelme's influence on the field would also help take pressure off Messi's shoulders, possibly allowing him to replicate his Barcelona form.
Messi knows the only way he'll be able to silence his critics is by playing a starring role for Argentina at the World Cup. He already has his mind set on South Africa, and sees the tournament as the perfect opportunity to gain the admiration of the Argentine public.
After a flawless year which couldn't have gone any better with Barcelona, Messi outlined his next objective.
"Hopefully I can pick up my game with the national team," he told Argentine daily Olé. "That's what I want most. The only way to improve from what we did this year is by being world champions with the national team."/SportsIllustrated/
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Meltzelder not expecting finals call-up
Real Madrid defender Christoph Metzelder has ruled out a return to the Bundesliga in January after appearing to give up hope of being included in Germany's World Cup squad.
But the former Borussia Dortmund man, who is surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu, has ruled out a return to the Bundesliga in January to boost his chances of a national team recall.
The 29-year-old had been linked with a return to Germany where he could get the chance to impress Die Mannschaft coach Joachim Low.
But Metzelder fully intends to see out the last six months of his contract in Spain, even if it means spending most of the time on the bench.
"This is not a good time for a transfer,'' he said at a press conference. "I have spoken very little with Joachim Low recently and I don't think I play a very big role in his plans.'' /ESPN/
But the former Borussia Dortmund man, who is surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu, has ruled out a return to the Bundesliga in January to boost his chances of a national team recall.
The 29-year-old had been linked with a return to Germany where he could get the chance to impress Die Mannschaft coach Joachim Low.
But Metzelder fully intends to see out the last six months of his contract in Spain, even if it means spending most of the time on the bench.
"This is not a good time for a transfer,'' he said at a press conference. "I have spoken very little with Joachim Low recently and I don't think I play a very big role in his plans.'' /ESPN/
FERGUSON EXPECTS MOURINHO RETURN
Sir Alex Ferguson expects Jose Mourinho to return to the Barclays Premier League one day.
The charismatic former Chelsea coach continues to be linked with all the major jobs in England despite guiding Inter Milan back to the Serie A summit after clinching the Italian title last term in his first year in charge.
It is said Mourinho was offered the opportunity to replace Mark Hughes at Manchester City, only to turn it down amid speculation that he has his heart set on following Ferguson into the Old Trafford hotseat.
As Ferguson has not shown any sign of relinquishing a job he has held since 1986, or any inclination to do so, Mourinho might be waiting a while.
That is not a debate Ferguson wants to enter.
However, acknowledging Mourinho's presence at Stamford Bridge on Monday to gather information on his former club ahead of the potentially explosive Champions League last 16 meeting between Inter and Chelsea next spring, Ferguson does expect to see the Portuguese coach back in the Premier League eventually.
"Every time I have spoken to Jose Mourinho, he has always said that he liked English football better than anywhere else," said the United boss.
"The attraction to get back to England at some point will always be there.
"He is still a young man and being at Chelsea yesterday will have reignited his thoughts about English football because you don't get the atmosphere, intensity and closeness to the pitch at Chelsea in a lot of the Italian grounds.
"He will miss that."
The charismatic former Chelsea coach continues to be linked with all the major jobs in England despite guiding Inter Milan back to the Serie A summit after clinching the Italian title last term in his first year in charge.
It is said Mourinho was offered the opportunity to replace Mark Hughes at Manchester City, only to turn it down amid speculation that he has his heart set on following Ferguson into the Old Trafford hotseat.
As Ferguson has not shown any sign of relinquishing a job he has held since 1986, or any inclination to do so, Mourinho might be waiting a while.
That is not a debate Ferguson wants to enter.
However, acknowledging Mourinho's presence at Stamford Bridge on Monday to gather information on his former club ahead of the potentially explosive Champions League last 16 meeting between Inter and Chelsea next spring, Ferguson does expect to see the Portuguese coach back in the Premier League eventually.
"Every time I have spoken to Jose Mourinho, he has always said that he liked English football better than anywhere else," said the United boss.
"The attraction to get back to England at some point will always be there.
"He is still a young man and being at Chelsea yesterday will have reignited his thoughts about English football because you don't get the atmosphere, intensity and closeness to the pitch at Chelsea in a lot of the Italian grounds.
"He will miss that."
Kaka is 'indispensable' for Real, says Ronaldo
MADRID — Real Madrid's Brazilian midfielder Kaka, sidelined since the end of November with a hernia, is "indispensable" for the success of the Spanish giants, his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo said in an interview published Wednesday.
Real have won all four of their matches in Kaka's absence, leading some in the Spanish media to suggest that Real play better without the 65-million-euro (93.5-million-dollar) summer signing from AC Milan.
"One can say whatever one wants, but for me Kaka is a phenomenon, I hope he will return quickly, he is indispensable for Real's success," Ronaldo told Spanish sports daily Marca.
Kaka, the winner in 2007 of the Golden Ball, awarded to the European Footballer of the Year by France Football magazine, returned to training earlier this week.
The 27-year-old could be called up to the squad to face Osasuna in the league on Sunday in Pamplona.
Real went into the Christmas break two points behind leaders and champions Barcelona in the Primera Liga.
Meanwhile, rival sports daily AS reported that Ronaldo, who joined Real in June on a six-year deal worth 94 million euros, making him the world's most expensive player, has already become the most profitable player in the history of the Spanish club.
Portugal's Ronaldo, 24, has replaced England's David Beckham, 34, as the world's top football advertising icon, generating up to 80 million euros in advertising revenues each year, it said citing sector specialists.
In October Italian fashion designer Armani announced that Ronaldo would model his underwear and jeans in a new worldwide advertising campaign that will start early next year. Beckham posed for Armani adverts last year.
Ronaldo has already appeared barechested in adverts for Pepe Jeans, as well as in campaigns for Nike, Coca-cola, the video game FIFA Street 2 and Indonesian energy drink Extra Joss.
Real have won all four of their matches in Kaka's absence, leading some in the Spanish media to suggest that Real play better without the 65-million-euro (93.5-million-dollar) summer signing from AC Milan.
"One can say whatever one wants, but for me Kaka is a phenomenon, I hope he will return quickly, he is indispensable for Real's success," Ronaldo told Spanish sports daily Marca.
Kaka, the winner in 2007 of the Golden Ball, awarded to the European Footballer of the Year by France Football magazine, returned to training earlier this week.
The 27-year-old could be called up to the squad to face Osasuna in the league on Sunday in Pamplona.
Real went into the Christmas break two points behind leaders and champions Barcelona in the Primera Liga.
Meanwhile, rival sports daily AS reported that Ronaldo, who joined Real in June on a six-year deal worth 94 million euros, making him the world's most expensive player, has already become the most profitable player in the history of the Spanish club.
Portugal's Ronaldo, 24, has replaced England's David Beckham, 34, as the world's top football advertising icon, generating up to 80 million euros in advertising revenues each year, it said citing sector specialists.
In October Italian fashion designer Armani announced that Ronaldo would model his underwear and jeans in a new worldwide advertising campaign that will start early next year. Beckham posed for Armani adverts last year.
Ronaldo has already appeared barechested in adverts for Pepe Jeans, as well as in campaigns for Nike, Coca-cola, the video game FIFA Street 2 and Indonesian energy drink Extra Joss.
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