Portugal have announced that Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return to the national team during the November international break. This decision comes despite an ongoing disciplinary investigation into his departure from the squad during the previous international window. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença expressed confidence that the Al-Nassr captain would be available for the team’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
The announcement was made just hours after the federation’s disciplinary council opened proceedings against Ronaldo over his departure from the national team camp 24 hours before Portugal’s match against Denmark. The council also imposed a provisional, non-automatic suspension on the forward and classified the case as urgent. This measure represents an initial disciplinary step while the investigation continues.
Despite the disciplinary development, Proença maintained that Portugal wanted Ronaldo back in the squad for the next international window. He signalled that the investigation had not ended the federation’s hopes of retaining the veteran forward. Proença stated that the federation, the coach, and all of Ronaldo’s teammates were united in their desire to welcome him back.
Proença described Ronaldo as the best player of all time and underlined the importance he continues to attach to the forward’s contribution to Portuguese football. He added that he expected Ronaldo to return in November, noting that the forward was also eager to rejoin the national team. This comes amid speculation that Ronaldo could face a suspension lasting between one month and six months.
The federation’s statement did not establish that the disciplinary case had been concluded or that Ronaldo had been cleared of any wrongdoing. The investigation remains a separate process, and the provisional measure does not in itself determine the final outcome. The precise duration of any final sanction remains uncertain based on the information released by the federation.
Portugal are preparing for their final UEFA Nations League group-stage matches in November, beginning with a home encounter against Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales three days later. The team have already secured qualification for the quarter-finals after winning their first four matches and accumulating 12 points to sit at the top of their group.
The potential absence of Ronaldo would be a major talking point ahead of the matches, given his standing within the national team and the attention surrounding his future involvement. For now, Portugal’s public position is that they want Ronaldo back for the November international break. Whether that expectation can be fulfilled will depend on the progress of the investigation and any final decision by the federation’s disciplinary authorities.
Key points
- Portugal expects Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the national team during the November international break despite an ongoing disciplinary investigation.
- The investigation into Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp may result in a suspension lasting between one month and six months.
- Portugal have secured qualification for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, accumulating 12 points from their first four matches.
