Real Madrid chief Emilio Butragueno says management will not rush back Cristiano Ronaldo from his ankle injury.
Ronaldo hopes to get the all-clear from doctors in the next 48 hours to resume full-scale training and to be available for first team action.
Former Real star Butragueno, however, warned: "Cristiano is one of the best players in the world and his absence for so long will affect any team. Barcelona is strong and united, but if, suddenly, for seven weeks they did not have Messi, also logically they would struggle.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is a great professional, is a winner, has a commitment to the club and does everything possible to return, but we must be sure he does not have a relapse again."