In a significant development for Portugal FC, Cristiano Ronaldo has been excluded from the squad for the upcoming March friendlies due to a right hamstring injury. The injury was sustained on February 28 while he was playing for Al Nassr.
Coach Roberto Martínez announced a squad of 27 players for the friendlies, which will see Portugal face Mexico on March 28 and the United States on March 31. Ronaldo’s absence is a notable blow, but Martínez remains optimistic about his recovery.
“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,” Martínez stated.
Ronaldo, the all-time leading international scorer for Portugal with 143 goals, is expected to recover in time for the June 2026 World Cup. His experience and skill will be crucial for Portugal’s campaign.
In addition to Ronaldo’s injury, Portugal FC has recently achieved a milestone in the UEFA rankings. Following FC Porto’s recent victory, Portugal has broken its UEFA ranking record, now standing at 18,900 points, up from the previous record of 18,800 points.
This impressive performance has secured Portugal the sixth place in the UEFA rankings, allowing them to have three representatives in the Champions League for the 2027/28 season.
Meanwhile, in transfer news, Geraldes has joined Seoul E-Land FC, expressing his determination to aid the team in their promotion efforts. “I’m happy to join a great team called Seoul E-Land. The only goal is to help the team get promoted,” he said.
As Portugal prepares for the friendlies, the absence of Ronaldo will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. The team’s ability to perform without their star player will be a focal point in the upcoming matches.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of Ronaldo’s injury on the team’s strategy moving forward, but the coaching staff is confident in the depth of the squad.