Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s preliminary squad for November’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales, despite his recent disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.
The 41-year-old forward is among the players being considered for the matches scheduled for November 14 and 17, respectively. Portugal’s final squad is expected to be announced on November 6.
Ronaldo’s inclusion comes weeks after he left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen on September 30 following a disagreement with Jesus.
The Al Nassr captain was an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway and left the camp after expressing frustration over his role in the team.
The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently handed him a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine for leaving the national team camp without authorisation.
The suspension is due to expire before Portugal’s November fixtures, leaving Ronaldo eligible for selection, although his place in the final squad is not guaranteed.
Ronaldo later apologised to his teammates and supporters for his conduct while maintaining that he remained available to represent Portugal.
Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença have also indicated that the door remains open for the forward’s return.
Portugal, who have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals, will host Denmark in Braga on November 14 before travelling to Cardiff to face Wales three days later.
Ronaldo’s inclusion on the preliminary list signals a possible return to the national team following the September controversy, with the final selection expected to clarify whether he will feature in the upcoming matches.
