Portugal omit injured Cristiano Ronaldo from pre-World Cup friendlies
Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Portugal’s squad for their upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies against Mexico and the United States due to a hamstring injury.
The 41-year-old forward has been sidelined since limping off during Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League victory against Al-Fayha at the end of February.
Roberto Martínez opted not to risk the men’s record international goalscorer for the upcoming fixtures in Mexico City and Atlanta.
World Cup place not in jeopardy
Despite travelling to Spain for specialised rehabilitation, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to make a swift recovery.
Portugal’s head coach moved quickly to dismiss any fears regarding his captain’s availability for the upcoming tournament in June.
“He’s not at risk, no. It’s a minor muscle injury and we think he can return in a week or two.”
The veteran attacker had been in prolific form for his club, netting 21 times in 22 league appearances before suffering this minor setback.
Squad changes and notable absentees
While the former Real Madrid star misses out, his Al-Nassr teammate João Félix has been included in the travelling party.
Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva is another high-profile absence from the extended squad list announced on Friday.
Portugal will face Mexico on 28 March before travelling to play the United States on 1 April as their tournament preparations intensify.
Portugal squad in full
- Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Silva.
- Defenders: Matheus Nunes, Diogo Dalot, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, António Silva, Tomás Araújo.
- Midfielders: Rúben Neves, Samú Costa, Mateus Fernandes, João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Rodrigo Mora.
- Forwards: Ricardo Horta, Pedro Gonçalves, João Félix, Francisco Trincão, Francisco Conceição, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, Gonçalo Guedes, Gonçalo Ramos.
