Ronaldo to miss Champions League match against Galatasaray

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (C) walks off the field after being replaced during their Spanish First Division soccer match against Almeria at Juegos Mediterraneos stadium in Almeria, Nov 23, 2013. Cristiano Ronaldo fired Real Madrid ahead before going off injured as they cruised to a 5-0 win at Almeria to remain six points adrift of leaders Barcelona who defeated Granada 4-0 earlier on Saturday. [Photo/Agencies]

MADRID - Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo will miss playing against Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday because of a left hamstring injury.

The Ballon d'Or candidate was hurt on Saturday in a 5-0 victory at Almeria.

Ronaldo will miss the Group B match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium but could return for Saturday's Spanish league game against Valladolid, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Tuesday.

"Tomorrow he'll start training on the field again and then we'll see if he'll be available on Saturday," Ancelotti said. "If there's any risk of (further) injury he won't play."

Ancelotti said the injury was not serious. If Ronaldo doesn't play on Saturday, his next game will likely be the last Champions League group match at FC Copenhagen in two weeks because he is suspended for next week's Copa del Rey match against Olimpic Xativa.

Anceloti said either Angel Di Maria or Jese would take Ronaldo's place against the Turkish club.

"I'll decide which one tomorrow," Ancelotti said from Madrid's training ground.

He said center back Raphael Varane would also likely be unavailable until the next Champions League game in Denmark as he rests a sore right knee.

"His knee needs some time off to rest and recover," the coach said. "For 10 or 12 days he won't play and we hope his knee doesn't swell during this time. He won't have surgery."

Madrid is already without injured midfielder Sami Khedira and defender Fabio Coentrao, while midfielder Luca Modric is suspended for the game. But midfielder Xabi Alonso and defender Marcelo were included in the 19-man squad despite injury concerns.

Madrid can secure a place in the next Champions League round with a draw on Wednesday.