In a significant development for Portugal FC, Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of the squad for the upcoming March friendlies due to a right hamstring injury. The matches, scheduled for March 28 against Mexico and March 31 against the United States, will proceed without the iconic forward, who is currently recovering.
Ronaldo sustained the injury on February 28 while playing for Al Nassr, prompting concerns about his availability for the national team. Coach Roberto Martínez confirmed that Ronaldo’s recovery is expected to take one to two weeks, stating, “It’s a minor muscle injury. We think he can be back in a week or two. Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows he’s in great shape.”
Portugal’s squad for these friendlies consists of 27 players, showcasing a blend of experienced talent and emerging stars. The absence of Ronaldo, who has scored 143 international goals, marks a notable shift for the team as they prepare for these crucial matches.
In a broader context, Portugal has recently secured sixth place in the UEFA ranking, a position that allows the country to have three representatives in the Champions League for the 2027/28 season. This achievement is bolstered by FC Porto’s victory, which contributed to Portugal’s record of 18,900 UEFA ranking points this season, surpassing the previous record of 18,800 points.
As the national team gears up for these friendlies, the focus will also be on players like Gonçalo Guedes, Mateus Fernandes, and Bruno Fernandes, who are expected to step up in Ronaldo’s absence. The upcoming matches will serve as an opportunity for these players to showcase their skills on an international stage.
Meanwhile, the football community is also keeping an eye on former Portuguese age representative Geraldes, who has recently joined Seoul E-Land FC. He expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m happy to join a great team called Seoul E-Land. The only goal is to help the team get promoted.”
As Portugal FC prepares for these friendly matches, the team dynamics will be tested without their star player. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the squad adapts and performs in these critical fixtures.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Ronaldo’s exact return date, but the optimism surrounding his recovery offers hope for his fans and teammates alike.
