How Roberto Martinez reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal absence for pre-World Cup friendlies

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal squad absence explained

An ESPN report confirmed injury as the reason behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s omission from Portugal’s squad for the March friendlies.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Portugal’s squad for the March World Cup warmup games against Mexico and the United States having failed to recover from a right hamstring injury,” the report revealed.

It further added: “Ronaldo, 41, has undergone treatment in Madrid in the past two weeks but is unavailable to face Mexico at the renovated Azteca Stadium on March 28.

“Nor will he play against the United States on March 31 in Atlanta, Georgia.”

The timeline makes the decision straightforward. Portugal are prioritising recovery rather than risking a setback in matches that carry no competitive weight.

Ronaldo’s recent workload and age only increase the importance of careful management at this stage of the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo injury update from Roberto Martinez

Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence has not raised alarm internally, with Portugal coach Roberto Martinez offering a clear update on the forward’s condition.

“No, he’s not in danger,” he said when announcing his 27-man squad on Friday. “It’s a minor muscle injury, and we think he can be back in a week or two.

“Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows that he’s in great shape,” Martinez said.

That assessment frames the situation as precautionary rather than problematic, with Portugal focused on ensuring Ronaldo is fully ready for competitive fixtures.

The short recovery window also suggests he remains firmly in plans, with no indication of a longer-term issue.

For now, the emphasis is on timing his return correctly rather than accelerating it for friendlies that offer limited upside.