In Malmö, Portugal’s preparations for Thursday’s meeting with Denmark have taken on an uneasy edge, with captain Cristiano Ronaldo absent from Tuesday’s training session at the Eleda Stadium.
The 41-year-old forward was present at the home of Malmö FF but did not join the squad on the pitch. He left for the team hotel before the rest of the group, having decided against using the stadium gym because he felt it lacked the facilities he needed. João Félix, who is in a comparable physical situation, remained behind to work indoors.
A difficult international break
- Ronaldo arrived during the international window hoping to make an impact for Portugal through goals, but missed a notable chance against Wales.
- He then remained on the bench throughout Portugal’s 90-minute victory over Norway.
- Coach Jorge Jesus said he had planned to introduce Ronaldo for roughly half an hour, but judged that the course of the match did not allow for it.
- At the final whistle against Norway, Ronaldo went straight towards the dressing room without greeting either his teammates or the travelling Portuguese supporters.
- Jesus said he intended to speak to his captain about that departure.
- On Tuesday, Ronaldo did not train with the squad in Malmö and returned early to the hotel.
A gesture of unity before Denmark
With attention around the camp increasing, Ronaldo used social media to make a quiet response. He posted Portugal’s flag alongside a heart, without any written message, in an apparent attempt to underline togetherness before the Denmark fixture.
Portugal now move towards Thursday’s match with their most prominent player under close scrutiny, after a break that has brought missed opportunities, limited minutes and an unexpected training-ground absence.
