Christiano Ronaldo is about to make history Portugal looks set to secure his place at the 2026 World Cup during the November international break. However, the national team has suffered a significant setback. with two key teammates ruled out due to injury prior to the decider UEFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Last Friday, head coach Roberto Martínez announced a 26-man squad for Portugal’s final two group stage matchescompetitions that could automatically qualify for global competition. But the list has taken a major hit as it has now been reduced to 24 players.
The Portuguese FA confirmed this on Sunday Pedro Neto and Pedro Gonçalves have been withdrawn from the squad for the November matches. The losses of the Chelsea winger and Sporting CP midfielder will be crucial as Neto has emerged as a regular starter under Martínez, while Goncalves has been part of the team’s rotation in recent call-ups.
According to the federation’s statement, Chelsea’s medical staff and the Portuguese Football Federation’s Health and Performance Department jointly determined that Neto needs to rest due to persistent physical problems. Gonçalves, meanwhile, suffered an injury in Sporting’s match against Santa Clara on Saturday and has been declared unfit for international duty.
Pedro Neto (L) of Chelsea and Pedro Goncalves (R) of Sporting CP.
The national team meets on Monday at Football citythe Federation training complex in Oeiras, near Lisbon, to begin preparations for the November games. It remains unclear whether Martínez will ultimately have to be called up at the last minute, but for now Ronaldo won’t have two attacking options. Portugal seems to seal his World Cup ticket.
see also
Is Cristiano Ronaldo the GOAT? Ronaldo Nazario brutally criticizes the Portuguese star in the long-standing debate
What’s next for Portugal?
With the UEFA qualifiers almost at an end, Portugal are undefeated at the top of Group F. with three wins and a draw from four games, good for a total of 10 points. With a five-point lead over Hungary in second place, the Selection enters the November window, depending on itself to secure the goal.
Portugal first travels to Dublin to take on the Republic of Ireland on Thursday the 13tha team that is on four points and trying to stay alive in the play-off race. For matchday 6, the last match of the group stage, Portugal will host Armeniacurrently bottom of the table with three points, on Sunday 16, while their previous meeting took place in September, where Ronaldo scored twice in a 5-0 win.
Portugal needs just two points to qualify mathematically, meaning a win over Ireland would clinch the spot outright. Even if Portugal drops points, Hungary will need a perfect period to delay the celebration, giving Ronaldo and company a strong lead heading into this decisive stretch.
#Bad #news #Cristiano #Ronaldo #key #Portuguese #teammates #ruled #due #injury #crucial #World #Cup #qualifiers