Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal boss Jorge Jesus are reported to have had clear-the-air talks after the Al-Nassr striker failed to come off the bench during the 2-1 win in Norway on Sunday.
Having been replaced in the starting XI by Goncalo Ramos, Jesus admitted afterwards he told Ronaldo he would come on at some point during the game at the Ullevall Stadium. But he reneged on that promise, instead keeping the 41-year-old on the sidelines.
Ronaldo was visibly irritated and marched straight down the tunnel at the final whistle rather than joining his team-mates as they celebrated a fine win with the travelling supporters.
The apparent fall-out has stewed since with the team moving from Norway to Malmo, Sweden to prepare for tomorrow night’s game with Denmark in the Nations League.
Ronaldo skips training for two days
The other substitutes that did not play against Norway trained on Monday but Ronaldo was absent, despite there being no word on any physical issue.
On Tuesday, Ronaldo joined the rest of his team-mates at the Eleda Stadium and appeared before training started, sitting on the bench drinking coffee, before then being whisked back to the hotel while the squad went through their paces.
The Portuguese Football Federation explained that Ronaldo was on a specific training programme and the Eleda Stadium did not have the right equipment and he would therefore undergo an individual session back at the team base.
A Bola claim Ronaldo and Jesus, who are known to have a strong working relationship after combining to help Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League last season, spoke last night in a bid to iron out any differences.
But it now remains to be seen if the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star will be available for the game with Denmark given he has not trained since the weekend.
For his part, Ronaldo has not voiced any frustration and took to social media yesterday to post a picture of himself next to emojis of the Portuguese flag and a heart.
Jesus is due to speak to the press this afternoon and will be accompanied by a player yet to be determined. Training at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen will follow and it could be that another no-show by Ronaldo means he is not in contention to play in tomorrow night’s Group A4 clash.
Denmark boss Riemer believes Portugal are better with Ronaldo
That news would be welcomed by Denmark boss Brian Riemer who talked up Ronaldo’s importance to Portugal.
Speaking on TV2, he said: “It’s a bit silly to be discussing this around Cristiano Ronaldo. I believe that many people underestimate his importance to the Portuguese team. On the day he retires, Portugal will have a problem. There are many strong personalities in a national team like Portugal’s and who will organise the hierarchy [when he goes]? It will be a great challenge.
“Ronaldo’s importance should not be underestimated. The best team in Portugal includes Ronaldo. When you face Portugal, you face world-class players in all positions. I tell the players: these are the challenges they need to face with determination.
“We are not the favourites, even playing at home. We know that we will face a very good team and that we will have to present an exceptional performance to have a chance of winning.”
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