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Ronaldo Left Out of Portugal’s March Friendlies as Martinez Targets Quick Return

Portugal’s coach casts the hamstring setback as precautionary management with a one‑to‑two‑week recovery window.

Overview

  • Cristiano Ronaldo was omitted from Roberto Martinez’s 27‑man roster for friendlies against Mexico on March 28 in Mexico City and the United States on March 31 in Atlanta.
  • The 41‑year‑old has been sidelined since Feb. 28 with a right hamstring injury sustained for Al‑Nassr and is undergoing treatment in Madrid.
  • Martinez described the issue as a minor muscle problem, said the World Cup is not at risk, and projected a return in one to two weeks while noting no one can guarantee future fitness.
  • Al‑Nassr manager Jorge Jesus previously said tests showed the injury was more serious than first expected and indicated Ronaldo would rest and receive care in Spain.
  • With Ronaldo out, Gonçalo Ramos is the only recognized center forward in camp, and Martinez called this the final opportunity to experiment before finalizing the World Cup squad.