(Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo is eager to return to action as he prepares for his first start of the season when Real Madrid begin their Champions League defence on Wednesday against APOEL Nicosia, coach Zinedine Zidane said on Tuesday. "He's in a very good mood and is very happy to play, because this is what he really loves, playing football, but he's also right mentally and he's happy to be on the pitch again," Zidane told a news conference. Ronaldo's return boosts Real's attack after a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Levante on Saturday, their second successive home draw which left them trailing early Liga leaders Barcelona and Real Sociedad by four points. "Cristiano doesn't just contribute goals, he's a leader, he always wants to win and he transmits that to everyone else. As well as Ronaldo, Zidane is set to recall Luka Modric and Keylor Navas after resting them to his side's cost against Levante, although Karim Benzema is out for at least a month with a hamstring injury.

Source: The Star September 12, 2017 13:41 UTC