Portuguese football is abuzz with uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's participation in Thursday's Nations League game against Denmark. The superstar forward missed team training, sparking concerns about his availability for the match. Local media reports suggest Ronaldo is unhappy with coach Jorge Jesus, which may have contributed to his absence from training. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that Ronaldo has not practiced with the team since Sunday's 2-1 win over Norway, instead doing gym work.
Ronaldo's situation has garnered significant attention, with Portuguese media reporting that federation president Pedro Proença traveled to meet with the forward and Jesus. The meetings aimed to address the reported rift between Ronaldo and Jesus, which allegedly stemmed from Ronaldo being left on the bench against Norway. Jesus had stated that he didn't want to overuse Ronaldo during the international break, planning to give him some minutes against Norway, but circumstances prevented his participation.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his participation, Ronaldo took to Instagram on Tuesday to post a photo of himself wearing the Portugal uniform, accompanied by the Portuguese flag and a heart emoji. This gesture may be seen as an attempt to quell speculation about his commitment to the team. Ronaldo is Portugal's all-time leading scorer in men's international soccer, with 146 goals, and is pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals.
Jesus addressed the reports of a rift with Ronaldo after the Norway game, stating that he would "talk to him." The coach had substituted Ronaldo in the 67th minute of Portugal's 1-0 win over Wales last Thursday. Portugal currently leads Group A4 of the Nations League with six points from two matches, three points more than Denmark and Norway. Wales is last with no points.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that Proença was with the squad in Sweden, where they prepared for Thursday's Nations League game against Denmark. The federation did not provide further details about Ronaldo's situation, only confirming his absence from training. Denmark and Norway are set to pose a significant challenge to Portugal's lead in Group A4.
Ronaldo started in Portugal's 1-0 win over Wales last Thursday and was substituted in the 67th minute. His participation in the upcoming games will be crucial for Portugal, as they aim to maintain their lead in Group A4. Portugal will host Norway on Sunday, and Ronaldo's availability for the match remains uncertain.
Jesus denied reports of an incident with Ronaldo, while the Swiss FA withdrew support for FIFA chief Gianni Infantino. Portugal's upcoming matches will be closely watched, as fans and pundits alike speculate about Ronaldo's future with the team.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo's participation in Portugal's Nations League game against Denmark is uncertain amid reports of a rift with coach Jorge Jesus.
- Ronaldo has not practiced with the team since Sunday's 2-1 win over Norway, instead doing gym work.
- Portugal leads Group A4 of the Nations League with six points from two matches, three points more than Denmark and Norway.
