Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal future clouds after absence

Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in Portugal’s plans has come under renewed scrutiny after he missed the team’s final training session before Thursday’s Nations League meeting with Denmark. The absence has also raised the possibility that the captain’s international career could be nearing its end, although no decision has been confirmed.

Ronaldo left Copenhagen’s stadium in a Portuguese federation vehicle as his teammates prepared to train. His private aircraft, arriving from Madrid, was expected to continue to Copenhagen. No reason was given for his early departure. The forward had already worked separately in Malmö on Tuesday, completing physical mobilisation and strengthening exercises rather than joining the full group.

The latest development follows a difficult spell during the current camp. Ronaldo was substituted in Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales and remained an unused substitute in the 2-1 victory against Norway. He also did not join his teammates on the pitch to celebrate the Oslo result. Jorge Jesus had previously said the decision not to use him against Norway was tactical and insisted there was no dispute between coach and player. He also rejected claims that Ronaldo had refused to train, explaining that the player’s individual work had been planned.

Ronaldo had been expected to return to a normal collective session on Wednesday, even though he was not expected to start against Denmark. His absence has therefore intensified uncertainty around his immediate role with Portugal and the timing of any possible international retirement.