Wednesday 11th November 2009
Ronaldo to miss Portugal game
Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of Portugal's World Cup play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina due to his ankle injury.
The Portuguese football federation had been hoping to have the star winger available for the two-legged tie, despite his club Real Madrid claiming he was not fit enough to take part.
The 24-year-old travelled to Lisbon today to undergo tests with his home federation, who subsequently ruled the player out of the tie after conducting their own tests.
"Cristiano was in Lisbon on Tuesday," Portugal's football federation said this evening.
"The player is not in good enough physical condition to train with the squad ahead of the play-offs.
"The Portuguese Football Federation wished the player a good and rapid recovery."
Ronaldo has not played for Madrid following a robust challenge during their Champions League tie against Marseille on September 30.
He did appear for Portugal in their final World Cup qualification group game against Hungary on October 10, but limped off early as his side secured a 3-0 win to help ensure they at least secure a play-off.
Madrid had voiced their objection to the player leaving for national duty earlier today, releasing a statement which read: "Real Madrid wishes to announce that Cristiano Ronaldo will travel to Portugal in the next few hours to put himself at the disposal of the medical services of the Portuguese federation."
Queiroz defended his decision to ask Ronaldo to return to Portugal for assessment.
"Based on the rules and principles governing clubs and associations, we have put Cristiano in the squad," he told Portuguese sports daily A Bola.
"Of course, I welcome that these principles have been met. I have always said that this is a technical decision and that everyone must be observed before being cleared to play.
"Cristiano and everyone will be observed. Our medical team are competent and responsible, and you will see what happens.
"I do not understand the nervousness in some sectors. It is a decision that is non-negotiable, unavoidable, a decision that protects the interests of the player.
"I was coach of Real. The club deserves respect; I know the medical team, president and CEO. I have every respect for that club.
"(But) this fact cannot compel me to put any club below or above the others. All clubs and players deserve equal treatment."
Portugal were drawn to play Bosnia-Herzegovina in the play-off with the first leg to be played in Leiria on Saturday.
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