London, Mar 21: Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Portugal’s squad for the upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies due to a minor hamstring injury, raising concerns but not alarm over his fitness ahead of the tournament.
The 41-year-old forward, who has not played for his club Al-Nassr since the end of February, will miss matches against Mexico and the United States. However, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has played down the situation, insisting that Ronaldo’s absence is purely precautionary and that his participation in the World Cup is not in doubt.
Martinez described the injury as minor and indicated that Ronaldo is expected to return within one or two weeks. He also подчеркнул that the veteran striker has maintained strong physical condition throughout the season, suggesting that there are no long-term concerns regarding his fitness.
Despite his age, Ronaldo remains central to Portugal’s plans. Martinez confirmed that the striker is still the first-choice option in attack, alongside Goncalo Ramos. The coaching staff is currently evaluating additional forward options to complete the squad, with the upcoming friendlies serving as a final opportunity to test combinations before the World Cup squad is finalized.
Portugal will face Mexico in Mexico City, followed by a match against the United States in Atlanta. These fixtures are seen as crucial preparation games, allowing the team to fine-tune tactics and assess player form ahead of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Portugal has been placed in Group K for the World Cup, where it will face Colombia and Uzbekistan, with one more team yet to qualify through playoffs. The group presents a mix of challenges, and the team will be aiming to build momentum heading into the competition.
Ronaldo’s potential participation in what would be his sixth World Cup is a significant storyline. If he features, he would set a new record, further extending his already historic career.
For now, Portugal appears to be taking a cautious approach, prioritizing Ronaldo’s recovery over short-term gains. While his absence will be felt in the friendlies, the focus remains firmly on ensuring he is fully fit for the World Cup, where his experience and goal-scoring ability will be crucial.