MMore than a month after Ronaldo abandoned, by his own decision, the ‘quinas’ team’s training camp in Copenhagen, in a ‘clash’ with the national coach, Jesus will announce his choices for the duels with Denmark, in Braga, on November 14th, and Wales, in Cardiff, on the 17th, at the end of group A4, in which Portugal has already secured qualification for the quarter-finals.
Jorge Jesus’ choices, and the decision on the return of the 41-year-old striker and captain, will be announced at a press conference scheduled for 12:00, at Cidade do Futebol, in Oeiras.
All attention will be focused on the possible return of Ronaldo, world record holder for games (234) and goals (146) for national teams, a player who, on September 30th, left the Portuguese national team training camp in Copenhagen, 24 hours before the duel with Denmark, which Portugal would win (4-2), after the triumphs against Wales (1-0) and Norway (2-1), also in the Nations League.
Ronaldo was a starter against Wales, in Alvalade, and an unused substitute on the visit to Oslo, in which he was warming up for much of the second half. At the end of that match, the Madeiran left the pitch visibly dissatisfied, without joining his teammates in thanking the Portuguese fans at the stadium.
Following Jesus’ press conference ahead of the game against Denmark, Ronaldo even left the ‘quinas’ team’s training camp, later claiming, in a written message, that the coach failed to speak to him more than once.
Ronaldo ended up suspended for 30 days and fined 255 euros by the Disciplinary Council (CD) of the Portuguese Football Federation, a punishment that was received around the world with astonishment and even some humor, but the punishment ends before the Portuguese team’s next games.
Outside the ‘sphere’ Ronaldo, needing just one point to confirm first place in the group, Jesus already knows that he will not be able to count on Francisco Conceição, who received a three-game suspension for being sent off against Norway, a punishment that was reinforced by UEFA due to the player’s bad behavior after seeing the red card.
Full-back João Cancelo, suspended for one match due to the accumulation of yellow cards, could be rested by the national coach, while left-footed Nuno Mendes is in doubt due to physical problems, and opens the door to a possible surprise on the flanks.
Matheus Nunes, playing regularly for Manchester City, could return, although he plays on the right, which would require a possible adaptation by Diogo Dalot or Cancelo, or else Jesus could even surprise with a new face.
Gustavo Varela, with 11 goals in games at Monza and one of the best scorers in Italy, could get his first call, on a list that could also include Rodrigo Mora, in great form at Roma.
In defense, Gonçalo Inácio, without any minutes in the September training camp, could have his place at risk, with António Silva, an absolute starter at Bournemouth, could be close to returning.
