Portugal FC is gearing up for two international friendlies against Mexico on March 28 and the United States on March 31, but the squad will be without star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who is sidelined due to a right hamstring injury.
Ronaldo sustained the injury on February 28 while playing for Al Nassr. His absence is a significant blow to the team, although coach Roberto Martínez has indicated 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.
Portugal’s squad for the upcoming friendlies consists of 27 players, showcasing a mix of experience and youth. Among the notable names are Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Dias, and João Félix, who will be looking to step up in Ronaldo’s absence.
In a broader context, Portugal has recently secured sixth place in the UEFA rankings, which 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, 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 team is also dealing with the impact of Ronaldo’s absence. The all-time leading international scorer for Portugal, with 143 goals, his experience and skill will be missed on the pitch.
In other news, former Portuguese age representative Geraldes has joined Seoul E-Land FC, expressing his commitment to helping the team achieve promotion. “I’m happy to join a great team called Seoul E-Land. The only goal is to help the team get promoted,” he remarked.
As the friendlies approach, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Portugal adapts without their talisman and how the younger players perform on the international stage.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for Ronaldo’s return, but the team’s management remains optimistic about his recovery.
