Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Portugal have announced their squad for the upcoming international friendlies without star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, raising fresh questions about his fitness ahead of the World Cup. The team, selected by head coach Roberto Martínez, will face Mexico on March 29 and United States on April 1 as part of their preparations for the global tournament.

Ronaldo, now 41, has been sidelined due to an injury sustained while playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The veteran forward has not featured in competitive action since late February and has been undergoing treatment in Spain after briefly relocating there during regional tensions in the Middle East.

Although initial expectations suggested a quicker recovery, the Portuguese icon’s return to full fitness has taken longer than anticipated. His absence from these crucial preparatory matches has inevitably sparked speculation about his availability for the upcoming World Cup, especially given his age and ongoing fitness concerns.

Martínez has sought to calm fears, insisting that Ronaldo’s injury is not serious and that there is no reason to doubt his participation in the World Cup. The coach expressed confidence that the forward would regain full fitness within the next couple of weeks. He further emphasized that the central attacking role for Portugal remains reserved for Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos, highlighting the veteran’s impressive form this season despite his recent setback.

Bernardo Silva has also been left out of the squad. The Manchester City midfielder has struggled for consistency this season, although Martínez clarified that his omission was based on tactical considerations rather than form alone.

The international developments elsewhere, Federico Chiesa has made a return to the Italy national football team after a two-year absence. Italy, four-time World Cup champions, are still fighting to secure their place in the tournament and face a crucial playoff clash against Northern Ireland. A defeat in that match would see the Azzurri miss out on the World Cup for a third consecutive time, a scenario that would mark a historic setback for the European giants.

Portugal continue their preparations without their talisman, all eyes remain on Ronaldo’s recovery timeline, with fans hoping the legendary forward will be fit in time to lead his nation on football’s biggest stage.