The Portuguese superstar's fitness was certainly cause for concern around Real Madrid's Valdebebas training complex, after he appeared to be absent from the team training session.
According to Spanish daily 'Marca', missing Saturday's must-win clash was never an option for Ronaldo, who has spent the entire week preparing for 'El Clasico' with his trademark meticulousness.
He spent Tuesday and Wednesday at the gym before working alone on the ball on Thursday, with Real Madrid medical staff keeping track of his fitness. Ronaldo will train along with the rest of the squad on Friday, some 24 hours before the crucial La Liga fixture kicks off.
The knock he sustained in Real Madrid's Club World Cup win over Gremio will not be enough to keep him from facing Barcelona, but Madrid wanted to monitor his development in the days leading up to the battle at the Bernabeu.
With Cristiano Ronaldo ready, Zinedine Zidane will have his strongest possible starting lineup available for selection, as Real Madrid look to reduce the 11-point gap with La Liga leaders Barcelona.