Cristiano Ronaldo has been dominated out of Portugal’s solely warm-up pleasant earlier than the beginning of the World Cup on account of a abdomen bug.
Portugal face Nigeria in Lisbon on Thursday night time earlier than heading out to Qatar, with the squad having gathered on the nationwide crew services earlier within the week.
Ronaldo skilled on Monday and Tuesday as regular however was then absent on Wednesday.
“Ronaldo has a gastritis and didn’t prepare right this moment with a view to get well and relaxation,” Portugal coach Fernando Santos stated after the session. “It is a situation that does not assist a lot, because it impacts the gamers rather a lot, they lose plenty of liquid, they weaken. He will not be prepared for [Thursday], for positive.”
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Santos was requested to doubly affirm that Ronaldo is definitely ailing and his absence is nothing to do with the fallout of his controversial interview that’s being launched in two elements this week.
“If it had been one other participant, we would not query it, however sure, he actually has gastritis and is in no situation to play,” Santos stated.
“What I am focused on is what’s being spoken in our camp and never what’s being stated exterior. Now we have to respect his resolution. He does not speak concerning the nationwide crew; it is a very private interview, and we’ve to respect that. I did not see anybody within the nationwide crew commenting on the matter.
“He talks about his membership and the connection he has with the membership. It has no affect on the nationwide crew.”
In Group H, Portugal are among the many final international locations to start their World Cup and can play Ghana of their opening match of the event on 24 November.
