Portugal keep fingers crossed over Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo could return to light training on Wednesday as Portugal remain hopeful he will be fit for Saturday’s quarter-final clash with England after a scan on his injured thigh.
The Manchester United winger had to be substituted in the first half of last night’s second-round win against Holland following a reckless challenge from defender Khalid Boulahrouz.
He then had to sit out a light training session by the squad this morning but is expected to return to training later in the week.
Portugal team doctor Henrique Jones said: “Ronaldo has just had a scan, he’s got muscular swelling in his thigh and we hope that it will ease.
“He’s having medication and he will have two daily treatments.
“He could begin to run on Wednesday and train on Thursday or Friday with more intensity. We are hopeful that he will recover.”
Ronaldo’s availability will be crucial to coach Luiz Felipe Scolari as he is already without fellow midfielders Costinha and Deco for the England clash through suspension.
However, Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has not given up hope of having Deco in his side for the clash with England.
The Barcelona playmaker was sent off during their bad-tempered victory over Holland yesterday.
But Scolari has urged the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) to appeal to FIFA over Deco’s first yellow card after a lunge at Holland defender John Heitinga.
Play had been stopped due to an injury with Portugal in possession, but when play restarted, Holland continued playing.
Although the Dutch were not obliged to give the ball back to Portugal, Scolari argued Deco was merely reacting to Holland’s disregard for sportsmanship.
“The Federation could send a letter to FIFA because of the first yellow card,” said Scolari.
“The ball was ours, we had possession, but the Dutch player was told by his coach to continue playing.
“There should be fair-play guidelines from FIFA, the time has come for FIFA to think about this.”
Fellow midfielder Costinha was also sent off following two bookable offences but Scolari accepted those decisions.
| Related Stories: |
|
