Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Portugal is heating up, with the veteran forward appearing in the provisional squad for the national team’s UEFA Nations League games against Denmark and Wales in November, a source close to the situation said. The 36th birthday boy of Al Nassr is still under a ban from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), but having entered the first-name call list suggests he’s being eyed by head coach Jorge Jesus for future games. The final team will be announced next week.
Portugal have already booked their place in the Nations League quarter-finals in their group A4. They draw Germany in Braga on November 14 before heading to Cardiff for a group-stage clash with Wales on Nov. 17. Ronaldo’s return could be coming after he left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen on Sept. 30. It was the captain’s first game with the team since Portugal beat Wales and Norway.
Ronaldo was the star of the home side of the ball against Wales, but, surprisingly, he was unused in the away game against Norway. After the game that had taken place in Oslo, he was not happy and didn’t wave to the travelling supporters with his teammates. This incident attracted attention because he was absent from the closing ceremonies and later from camp, but more details need to be confirmed.
Ronaldo’s inclusion on the provisional list provides just one chance for him to come on as Portugal make their final push for a place in the Nations League. The forward, who is still playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, is still a key player in Portuguese football. His inclusion would bring experience to a team that has already met its near-term goal of qualification to the quarter-finals. But his choice isn’t done yet.Â
