RONALDO IN LINE FOR PORTUGAL RETURN AFTER FALLOUT WITH COACH

Cristiano Ronaldo could return to international duty next month after being included in Portugal’s preliminary squad for their Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales.

A Portuguese football federation spokesperson confirmed that the 41-year-old is being considered for the fixtures on November 14 and 17. Coach Jorge Jesus will announce the final squad on November 6.

Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp on September 30 following a disagreement with Jesus over playing time. He later accused the coach of failing to honour a promise to give him minutes against Norway.

The forward also said they disagreed over points he expected Jesus to address during a press conference before the Denmark match.

The federation handed Ronaldo a 30-day suspension for leaving the camp. The punishment was backdated, allowing him to become available again by the end of this week.

Ronaldo apologised to supporters earlier in October and said he would accept any punishment. Despite the dispute, he maintained that he was not retiring from international football.

Portugal won all four of their opening Nations League matches, including three without Ronaldo, securing a quarter-final place with two games remaining.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the leading scorer and most-capped player in men’s international football. Having made his Portugal debut in 2003, he has said this will probably be his final year in the sport.