Is this the end? Ronaldo could miss another Portugal match
Cristiano Ronaldo is once again at the center of attention in the Portugal camp.
Details: The 41-year-old forward did not take part in Portugal's team training session in Malmö on Tuesday as Jorge Jesus continued preparations for the upcoming UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark. Ronaldo briefly spoke with the head coach before leaving the training facilities and returning to the team hotel.
According to the Portuguese Football Federation's explanation reported by A Bola, Ronaldo completed a specific gym session at the hotel instead. The reason was equipment-related: the gym at the stadium did not have a particular piece of equipment the Portugal captain required for his individual work.
The episode has attracted additional attention because Ronaldo did not play a single minute in Portugal's previous Nations League match against Norway. Jorge Jesus left his captain on the bench for the entire 2-1 victory, marking the first time since Euro 2008 that Ronaldo had been an unused substitute for Portugal in an official match.
After the Norway game, Jesus explained that Ronaldo had been physically available and that he initially considered introducing the striker for around half an hour, but the course of the match led him to make different substitutions. No medical problem has been officially announced in connection with Ronaldo's absence from Tuesday's team session.
Portugal's next match is against Denmark in Copenhagen. It is worth noting that Ronaldo remains the all-time leading scorer and appearance-maker in men's international football: UEFA lists him at 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.
Reminder: Will Ronaldo start? Portugal announce lineup for match against Norway
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
