Sports
Ronaldo Omitted from Portugal Squad Due to Injury Concerns, Short Term
Cristiano Ronaldo was excluded from Portugal's team for upcoming friendly matches against the United States and Mexico. According to coach Roberto Martinez, Ronaldo's omission is due to a minor muscle injury, with an expected return in one to two weeks.
Portugal's coach, Roberto Martinez, addressed the exclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva from the national team's upcoming matches against the United States and Mexico. These matches represent Portugal's final international games before the World Cup in North America in 2026. Martinez clarified on Friday, March 20, that Ronaldo's absence is attributed to a short-term physical issue. He noted that Ronaldo has been doing a lot of physical work this season. Martinez anticipates Ronaldo's return to the team in approximately one to two weeks, after recovery.
Key Facts
- Cristiano Ronaldo was left off the Portugal squad for friendlies against the United States and Mexico.
- Coach Roberto Martinez cited a minor muscle injury as the reason for Ronaldo's exclusion.
- Martinez expects Ronaldo to recover and return to the team in one to two weeks.
- Ronaldo sustained a hamstring injury during Al-Nassr's 3-1 win against Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League on February 28.
- Ronaldo travelled to Madrid for treatment of the hamstring injury.
- Martinez affirmed Ronaldo's continued role in Portugal's team for the 2026 World Cup.
- The matches are Portugal's last international games before the World Cup in North America.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Daily Post Nigeria — Why I dropped Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal squad to play USA, Mexico - Martinez