Portugal coach Fernando Santos insists that Cristiano Ronaldo remains an important figure for the national team even if his playing time at Manchester United has been limited mainly to substitute appearances so far this season.
Ronaldo was called up to the Portugal squad on Thursday for Nations League games against the Czech Republic on September 24 and against Spain three days later.
“I have absolutely no worries about Ronaldo’s lack of playing time for Manchester United,” Santos said.
“As with any player I have to work out what the situation is with him. But I don’t think anyone has any doubts that Ronaldo continues to be of great importance to the national team.”
Ronaldo and his partner lost their newborn son in April, and he was excused from United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia in July for family reasons.
Ronaldo has only started twice for United under new boss Erik ten Hag, who on Wednesday reiterated that he was counting on the 37-year-old this season.
Portugal squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves/ENG), Rui Patricio (Roma/ITA)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG), Joao Cancelo (Manchester City/ENG), Danilo Pereira (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Tiago Djalo (Lille/FRA), Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG), Pepe (FC Porto), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund/GER)
Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham/ENG), Ruben Neves (Wolves/ENG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG), Matheus Nunes (Wolves/ENG), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), William Carvalho (Real Betis/ESP), Joao Mario (Benfica)
Forwards: Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA), Ricardo Horta (Braga), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United/ENG), Rafa Silva (Benfica), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Pedro Neto (Wolves/ENG) Diogo Jota (Liverpool/ENG), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid/ESP)
World Cup News
-
Football
/ 1 week agoSon scores but Thailand hold South Korea in World Cup qualifier
Son Heung-min scored but South Korea were held 1-1 at home by Thailand in...
By AFP -
Football
/ 3 weeks agoJapan-N. Korea World Cup game to stay in Pyongyang, JFA says
Japan’s World Cup qualifier against North Korea will be played in Pyongyang as planned...
By AFP -
Football
/ 4 weeks agoGerman ex-FA bosses on trial over World Cup tax evasion
Three German ex-top football officials went on trial on Monday in a 13.7-million-euro ($14.8...
By AFP -
Football
/ 4 weeks agoSaudi Arabia formally launches bid for 2034 World Cup
Saudi Arabia formally launched its bid to host the 2034 World Cup on Friday,...
By AFP