• World Cup 2022

Portugal: Ronaldo struggles with fitness issue ahead of South Korea clash

Cristiano Ronaldo at Portugal
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Portugal might have to play without CR7 in their last group-sate game.

Portugal manager Fernando Santos has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo is not fully fit ahead of his side’s upcoming match against South Korea.

Ronaldo played for Portugal in their 2-0 win over Uruguay on Monday. However, he couldn’t participate in his side’s training two days later.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Santos admitted Ronaldo might miss the game against South Korea.

“I think it is 50-50 if he plays or not, we’ll see,” Santos said at a press conference. 

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“It will depend on if and how he practices today, if we see he is in good condition. There is a plan for if he is not available.”

Portugal have already qualified for the knockout stage after winning their first two Group H games.

Having defeated Ghana and Uruguay, Santos’ men are in the pole position to qualify as the group winners. However, losing Ronaldo is a huge blow, nonetheless, as they try to seal their top spot.

In case Portugal finishes as the group runner-ups, they will most likely have to lock horns with Brazil in the next round.

As of now, Portugal’s team doctors haven’t provided an update on Ronaldo’s fitness. However, media reports claim the 37-year-old will certainly regain full fitness before the last-16 round. 

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