In Copenhagen, on the eve of Portugal’s meeting with Denmark, Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence again became the defining detail around the national side’s preparations. The forward did not take part in Wednesday’s session at Parken Stadium, making it a third straight day away from team training.
Ronaldo was present at the stadium when the Portugal squad gathered for its final workout before the Denmark match. But he departed in a Portuguese Football Federation vehicle shortly after Jorge Jesus had spoken to the media, leaving the group to complete the session without him.
The 41-year-old had also missed the previous two days of work. Jesus had previously insisted that Ronaldo had not declined to train, saying instead that the captain had been given permission to sit out those sessions. The coach had indicated that Ronaldo would be involved on Wednesday, making his latest non-participation especially notable.
A strained backdrop before Denmark
The episode arrives amid reported differences between Ronaldo and Jesus within the Portugal camp. With the team completing its preparations in the Danish capital, attention now turns to whether the veteran forward will be available when Portugal face Denmark.
