The Portuguese FA confirmed the star is continuing to struggle with a thigh problem, though team-mate Nani insists he is “relaxed” ahead of the World Cup
Portugal are continiuing to fret over the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo after confirming the Real Madrid star is battling tendonitis in his thigh.
The 29-year-old has been struggling with a muscle problem over the past two weeks and was rested for the Seleccao’s friendly clash with Greece in a bid to aid his recovery.
However, the Portuguese FA have since revealed that Ronaldo has also been struck with “left-leg patellar tendonitis” and took part in a separate running programme in training early this week, with Pepe, Raul Meireles and Beto also battling to recover full fitness.
The news comes as a blow to head coach Paulo Bento, who watched his side labour to a 0-0 draw against Greece last week in the absence of their record goalscorer.
However, Ronaldo’s former Manchester United team-mate Nani – who was named in Bento’s final 23-man squad for the World Cup – insists the reigning Ballon d’Or winner is not worried ahead of the tournament in Brazil.
“I don’t believe the situation with Ronaldo is worrying,” he said on Tuesday following a training session in New York. “He’s going well, and he is relaxed about it … things are going the right way.
“We hope that Cristiano is in good enough shape to play – and to help the team.”
Nani also stressed that the squad as a whole is more than capable of stepping up to deliver in Ronaldo’s absence as they prepare to take on Germany in their Group G opener on June 16.
“If for some reason (Ronaldo) is not there, whoever is there playing has to be confident in their ability to get the job done,” he said.
“The World Cup is a one-of-a-kind challenge. I want to be fully fit, and in top form alongside my team-mates. I could not be there last time, but happily, I am here now.
“The players are happy, confident and relaxed, we have been working well. I hope that is the basis for a good campaign.”
Portugal face Mexico on Saturday in their latest warm-up fixture.