Cristiano Ronaldo sends recovery message after injury sparks 2026 FIFA World Cup concern

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently not in Saudi Arabia, as he reportedly flew to Madrid with his family due to the ongoing Gulf conflict.

Updated on: Mar 23, 2026, 21:28:00 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Cristiano Ronaldo responded to concerns regarding his fitness in his own original way. Last month, he suffered a hamstring injury during a match for Al Nassr. The Saudi Pro League club confirmed his injury but didn't provide a timeline for his return. He has also been excluded from Portugal's squad for their upcoming international friendlies.

Cristiano Ronaldo shared photos of his recovery process. (X)

Even the Portugal national team hasn't revealed a timeline for his return. But head coach Roberto Martinez has already dismissed fears that he might miss the upcoming FIFA World Cup, claiming it is not a serious injury and that he will recover before the tournament.

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Ronaldo took to X on Monday, giving fans a sneak peek into his recovery. He posted photos of himself working out and captioned them as, "Getting better every day".

Ronaldo is currently not in Saudi Arabia, as he reportedly flew to Madrid with his family due to the ongoing Gulf conflict. He is continuing his recovery in Spain.

"The World Cup is not at risk! He is not at risk. It is a minor muscle injury, and we think he can return in a week or two. Everything Cristiano has done physically during the season shows that he is in great shape," Martinez said.

The 2026 World Cup will also be his last major tournament before his retirement. Speaking to Al Jazeera last year, he said, "I’m really enjoying the moment right now. As you know, in football, when you reach some age, you count the months very quick. I feel very good in this moment. I score goals; I still feel quick and sharp. I’m enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let’s be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years."

"Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old [at the World Cup]. I gave everything for football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything. I have many records in the different scenarios in the clubs and also in the national teams," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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