Tests confirm Ronaldo suffered thigh strain vs. Villarreal

Madrid - Three-time World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo suffered only a thigh strain after limping off in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Villarreal in midweek, the club confirmed on Friday.

"Following tests carried out today on Cristiano Ronaldo in the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with a muscle strain in his right thigh," Madrid said in a statement.

"His recovery will continue to be assessed."

Real refused to state how long the Portuguese will be sidelined.

However, widespread reports in the Spanish sports press said he will miss Saturday's trip to Rayo Vallecano, but will be fit in time for Madrid's Champions League semi-final, first leg away to Manchester City on Tuesday.

Madrid is just one point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid with four games remaining in a tight three-way race for the title.

"All good. Thanks for your support," Ronaldo had posted to his over 55 million followers on social media network Instagram on Thursday.

Before hobbling off towards the end of Madrid's eighth consecutive La Liga win to remain just a point behind leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, Ronaldo had played all but one minute of Real's previous 43 La Liga and Champions League games this season.

And Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane admitted he should have taken more precaution to rest the 47-goal forward in recent weeks.

"For a coach when you have a player like Cristiano sometimes it is necessary for him to not play a game or not finish a match."