Portugal coach, Roberto Martinez, has explained why he chose not to include Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva in the team for their next matches.
While talking to reporters, the manager made it clear that Ronaldo will still be part of Portugal’s team for the 2026 World Cup.
This follows Ronaldo’s exclusion from the national team for the upcoming international matches.
On Friday, March 20, Martinez revealed the team’s lineup for the friendly games against the United States and Mexico.
The matches will be their last international games before the World Cup in North America.
Martinez spoke to reporters and said that Ronaldo was not in the team because of a short-term issue, but he should be back in about a week or two.
“The World Cup is not at risk. declared the coach. He is not at risk, no. It’s a small muscle injury, and we think he should be able to return in about a week or two.
“Cristiano has done a lot of physical work this season, which shows he is in great shape,” he said.
Ronaldo has not played in any game since February 28 when he left the match hurting during Al-Nassr’s 3-1 win against Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Nassr confirmed that their star player sustained a hamstring injury, prompting the five-time Ballon d’Or recipient to travel to Madrid for treatment.
Besides Ronaldo, experienced midfielder Bernardo Silva was also not included in the squad.
Martinez explained that this decision was based on the medical information given by Manchester City.
“Bernardo Silva, it’s a technical choice, based on the medical info that the player’s team gave,” he added.
Portugal is set to play against Mexico at Estadio Azteca on March 28, and then they will have a game against the United States in Atlanta on April 1.
