Ronaldo hopeful to play against Venezuela

Brazil striker Ronaldo is optimistic he will face Venezuela in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier while Juan has been preferred to Lucio in the centre of the defence. Ronaldo arrived at the training camp of the world champions on Monday with problems in both thighs but he told reporters on Wednesday that the injuries appeared to be clearing up.

“I’m not feeling any pain and I don’t think there will be any problem for me to play,” said the Real Madrid striker, who missed Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Deportivo Coruna. “I’m only going to play if I’m 100 per cent fit,” added Ronaldo.