Cristiano Ronaldo fitness concerns addressed by Roberto Martinez

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has addressed concerns regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s fitness after a hamstring injury sidelined the legendary forward from the March international camp.

Ronaldo was not called up for World Cup warm-up fixtures against Mexico and the United States due to injury. The former Real Madrid star sustained a muscular problem while playing for Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Nassr on February 28.

There are concerns he might not be 100℅ fit when Portugal play their first match at the World Cup, but the 41-years-old has been training separately from the main group in Riyadh.

Martinez has now clarify that Ronaldo’s injury is minor, noting that the forward’s physical condition is still being monitored daily to meet the squad’s rigorous expectations.

Cristiano Ronaldo during the Saudi Pro League game between Al Nassr and Al Taawoun. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

Speaking about Ronaldo’s continued importance to the national team, Martinez said: “Cristiano is our captain, a role model and a player with a real hunger. He’s not just a 41-year-old player; he’s a player who’s hungry to improve every day. He’s proving to be an exemplary captain and an inspiration to the younger players, someone who shows the way and embodies our values. And on the pitch, he’s scored 25 goals in the last 30 games. We assess the players on a day-to-day basis, session by session, and the standards in the national team are the highest for everyone.”

With 143 goals in 226 appearances since his 2003 Portugal debut, Ronaldo has reached a stage where every minor injury invites questions regarding his eventual retirement.

Addressing the captain’s longevity, Martinez added: “He has a minor injury and will probably be back playing and training next week. It’s nothing serious. Cristiano is our captain; he’s a very important player. He was our captain in the Nations League and plays a huge part in the team’s final third, that movement in the box.”

Martinez added on a potential date for Ronaldo to hang up his boots: “We don’t know. It’s hard to say. I’ve quickly learned not to try and predict the future with Cristiano. He focuses on being the best he can be right now. He doesn’t make plans for the future.”

Ronaldo is expected to return for Al-Nassr against Al-Najma this Friday, marking the start of a final domestic push.