Cristiano Ronaldo to miss Portugal’s pre-World Cup friendlies
Ronaldo holds the record for most goals in men's international football with 143 for his country
Portugal will be without star forward Cristiano Ronaldo for their pre-World Cup friendlies against the United States and Mexico. The 41-year-old has been sidelined by a hamstring injury since 28 February, when he limped off during Al-Nassr's 3-1 Saudi Pro League win against Al-Fayha. As expected, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez omitted the five-time Ballon d'Or winner from the squad announced on Friday.
"The World Cup is not at risk! " the Spanish manager responded to a question about Ronaldo’s World Cup chances. "He's not at risk, no.
It's a minor muscle injury and we think he can return in a week or two. Everything Cristiano has done physically during the season shows that he's in great shape. " Ronaldo, who holds the record for most goals in men's international football with 143 for his country, will miss the Mexico clash in Mexico City on 28 March and the United States fixture in Atlanta on 1 April.
Cristiano Ronaldo was a doubt for the two friendlies after he previously travelled to Spain for rehabilitation to recover from the hamstring injury. The 41-year-old, who has netted 21 goals in 22 games this season in the SPL. His Al-Nassr teammate João Félix also made the squad for the two friendlies.