Ronaldo doubtful for Portugal versus Croatia clash

Cristiano Ronaldo’s participation in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League clash with Croatia is in doubt after he picked up a foot infection. The 35-year-old informed medical staff of the problem on Wednesday (September 2) and is being treated for the infection while on international duty.  

Portugal meet Croatia on Saturday evening before facing Sweden away on Tuesday.  And Portugal coach Fernando Santos admitted he does not expect to have his star man back to full fitness in time for their first fixture since November.  

“I have some doubts,” Santos said. “He trained very well on Monday and Tuesday and on Wednesday he appeared with a pain in his foot.

“We didn’t know what it was, but after lunch the foot became very red. We realized that it was not an injury, but it would be a foot infection and was attacked with antibiotics.

Ronaldo will still be a threat when he’s 40 – Lovren “It is better today, it was seen by a dermatologist and we now expect its evolution.

I doubt that tomorrow is 100 percent.  “It is not a type of injury that we can say that passes with two or three days.”  Ronaldo sat out training on Thursday and Friday in a bid to heal his foot prior to the weekend.

The Juventus forward is chasing down his 100th international goal with his tally currently sat on 99.  Portugal may have to begin the first defence of their Nations League title without Ronaldo though if he is unable to recover in time.

Andre Silva would likely lead the line in attack in Ronaldo’s absence but Santos will no doubt be hoping his captain is available for at least the Sweden game.  

While missing both ties would be frustrating for Ronaldo’s ambitions of grabbing his centurion strike, there are no concerns he will miss Juventus’ Serie A opener on September 20 against Sampdoria.