Portugal fears grow over injured talisman Ronaldo

AFP/New York

Cristiano Ronaldo’s chances of being fit for Portugal’s opening World Cup clash with Germany were thrown into further doubt when coach Paulo Bento refused to put a timeframe on his return.

Ronaldo, 29, failed once more to train with the rest of his teammates, as they went through their paces ahead of yesterday’s friendly with fellow World Cup qualifiers Mexico in the United States.

Portugal play the strongly fancied Germans on June 16 but, at this rate, they could be without their star player and talisman, who was already ruled out of the Mexico game because of persistent leg injuries.

The Real Madrid forward has a left thigh injury and tendinitis in the knee of the same leg, and has been struggling for fitness for several weeks in the crucial build-up to the Brazil showpiece.

Even if Ronaldo is free of injury, it looks increasingly unlikely that he will be match-fit.

“The situation is evolving and our expectations are evolving constantly,” Bento told reporters at the Foxborough stadium of the New England Patriots, asked repeatedly when Ronaldo would be fit.

“When he’s ready to play is a decision that will be made just like any other player, regardless of who it is.

“I’m not at liberty to discuss at full length the situation. As soon as he is ready to train, we will make that announcement.”

Growing visibly frustrated by persistent questions about Ronaldo, Bento added: “We have to prepare for Germany regardless.

“The decision of if he will play and when is up to me, the player and the doctors. Ronaldo is not the only good player we have.”

Ronaldo, who has scored 49 goals in 110 matches for Portugal, also missed the goalless draw with Greece on Saturday in Lisbon.

Portugal, who squeezed into the World Cup via a playoff with Sweden, face a mounting injury crisis—key defender Pepe and experienced midfielder Raul Meireles are also out of the Mexico encounter.

Real Madrid’s Pepe has a left leg injury, although indications are that he will be fit for the World Cup.

“He had a lot of games this season and he had a good season,” said Bento. “It’s a question of evaluating the situation and seeing how he is, then we will decide.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldo is banking on Brazilian support for his country at the World Cup, where he says they are in the toughest of the eight groups.

“To compete in the World Cup in a brother country like Brazil is appealing,” the world player of the year wrote in a blog for the Sportlobster website (www.sportlobster.com)

“Portugal and Brazil have historical connections and both countries speak the same language.

“Therefore, I think it will be a fantastic experience and I believe Brazilians will also support us.”

The Real Madrid forward has been suffering from tendonitis as well as a thigh problem and Portugal badly need him fit for their key opening game against Germany in Salvador on June 16.

The other group opponents are Ghana and the United States.

“In my opinion, we have the strongest group of the World Cup, but we should take it one step at a time,” Ronaldo said.