Portugal FC is gearing up for crucial friendlies against Mexico on March 28 and the United States on March 31, but the team will be without star player Cristiano Ronaldo due to a right hamstring injury. Ronaldo sustained the injury on February 28 while playing for Al Nassr.
Roberto Martínez, the head coach of Portugal, confirmed that Ronaldo’s recovery is expected within one to two weeks. “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.
The squad for the upcoming friendlies consists of 27 players, highlighting Portugal’s depth despite the absence of their all-time leading international scorer, who has netted 143 goals for the national team.
In a broader context, Portugal has secured sixth place in the UEFA rankings, which allows the nation to have three representatives in the Champions League for the 2027/28 season. This achievement has been bolstered by FC Porto’s recent victory, contributing to Portugal’s record UEFA ranking points this season, totaling 18,900, surpassing the previous record of 18,800.
As Portugal prepares for these matches, the absence of Ronaldo raises questions about the team’s offensive strategy. Players like Gonçalo Guedes, Bruno Fernandes, and João Félix will need to step up in his absence.
Meanwhile, in other news, Geraldes, a former Portuguese age representative, has joined Seoul E-Land FC, expressing his excitement about the new opportunity. “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 the friendlies approach, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Portugal adapts without their iconic forward. The team’s performance in these matches could set the tone for their future international competitions.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further updates on Ronaldo’s condition, but the focus remains on the upcoming challenges for Portugal FC.
