Real Madrid's star striker Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the squad for Spanish La Liga match slated for the weekend after recovering from an ankle strain, his club said on Thursday.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal against Tottenham Hotspur during the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final soccer match at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid April 5, 2011. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

"Cristiano Ronaldo rejoined the squad in this morning's training session in preparation for Saturday's match against Sporting Gijon," Real Madrid said in a statement on their website.

He had skipped training earlier this week after suffering a left ankle sprain during last weekend's 4-1 La Liga match victory over Atletico Madrid.

Ronaldo is currently the joint top scorer in the Spanish league this season, level with Lionel Messi of Barcelona on 16 goals.

Real Madrid, who lead the Spanish top division by three points ahead of European champions Barcelona, travel to third-from-bottom Sporting Gijon on Saturday.

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