Cristiano Ronaldo to miss Portugal games vs. USMNT, Mexico Cristiano Ronaldo has been excluded from Portugal’s squad for the March World Cup warmup matches against Mexico and the United States due to a lingering right hamstring injury. The 41-year-old captain, who sustained the muscle problem while playing for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr on February 28, has undergone treatment in Madrid over the past two weeks but remains unavailable for the games scheduled for March 28 and March 31. Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martínez, confirmed that Ronaldo is not at risk of missing the team’s record sixth World Cup campaign. The injury has prevented Ronaldo from participating in recent international fixtures, including Portugal’s 9-1 victory over Armenia in their final World Cup qualifier on November 16, where he was suspended. Martínez emphasized that the injury is minor and that Ronaldo is expected to return to full fitness within a week or two. “Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows that he’s in great shape,” the coach stated when announcing the 27-man squad on Friday. Ronaldo’s absence from the squad means Portugal will rely on other players to fill the void. João Félix, his Al Nassr teammate, and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, who has recorded seven goals and 16 assists in 27 league games this season, have been included. West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, making his debut for the national team, and Real Sociedad’s Gonçalo Guedes, returning after a two-year absence, are also part of the squad. Martínez highlighted Guedes’ recent form, noting that the winger has scored nine goals this season and is in excellent shape. “He’s a versatile player and a game-changing striker,” the coach said.#al_nassr #portugal #mexico #roberto_martinez #crisitano_ronaldo
