Ronaldo set for Portugal return

January 09, 2025
Football - World Cup - Bet Now at Bet365

Cristiano Ronaldo could make his return from injury for Portugal against Republic of Ireland at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday.

The Real Madrid superstar has missed his country's last two warm-up matches because of separate knee and thigh injuries, sparking fears he may miss the Brazil showpiece, but returned to training on Saturday for Paulo Bento's side.

Reports now suggest the 29-year-old Ballon d'Or winner could get some match practice in against the Irish in East Rutherford.

His team-mate Vieirinha told reporters: "If he is fit to train, he is fit to play the match."

Bruno Alves scored in stoppage-time to earn the Portuguese a 1-0 win against Mexico on Saturday, but the return of Ronaldo is a major boost to the country's hopes of getting out of a difficult group also including Germany and Ghana.

"Everybody knows the importance of Ronaldo to our team and his importance to the group, both on and off the pitch," added Vieirinha.

Experienced midfielder Raul Meireles also returned to training at the weekend, leaving Real Madrid defender Pepe as Bento's main injury concern.

The centre-back trained on Sunday away from the rest of the squad and is unlikely to feature against the Irish.

Portugal open their Group G account against Germany at Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Bahia, on Friday.


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