‘No guarantee’: Cristiano Ronaldo injury crisis worsens as Portugal boss makes worrying FIFA World Cup claim

The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11, and Al-Nassr are yet to provide a timeline for Cristiano Ronaldo's return.

Published on: Mar 20, 2026, 17:25:26 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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With Portugal set to announce its squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Mexico and the USA, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be absent due to injury. In a recent interview, head coach Roberto Martinez broke his silence on the star striker's injury.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is currently out of action due to injury. (AP)

Ronaldo sustained a hamstring injury during a recent Saudi Pro League match and is currently recovering in Spain. But according to reports, his recovery is taking longer than expected, and he hasn't yet returned to action.

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When will Cristiano Ronaldo return to action?

Speaking to Observador YouTube channel, Martinez was asked if Portugal's medical team had given him any update regarding Ronaldo's fitness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. "No one can provide that guarantee. If I had that guarantee, I would have called the player up now," he said.

"Cristiano currently has a minor injury, but he still has more matches with his club. Football is a contact sport, and I can’t guarantee that players won’t get injured," he added.

The World Cup begins on June 11, and Al-Nassr has yet to provide a timeline for Ronaldo's return. Ronaldo has been in good form this season and leads the Golden Boot race with 21 goals in the league. Al Nassr are on top of the table, with 67 points from 26 matches.

He is also currently not in Saudi Arabia. Due to the ongoing Gulf conflict, he and his family reportedly flew to Madrid.

Ronaldo had a similar situation in the 2014 World Cup. His performance was affected by a knee injury, and he scored only one goal in the tournament as Portugal failed to reach the knockouts. When asked if a similar situation could arise, Martinez said, "It’s my responsibility to create the best possible environment for our team, so that all players in the dressing room enjoy representing Portugal and contributing at the World Cup. I have a lot of experience in this area."

"For example,when I was with Belgium, I had a player who was only medically fit for the third match. At that point, it becomes a matter of making a decision", 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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