Ronaldo’s Portugal comeback remains uncertain amid Jorge Jesus dispute

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the Portugal squad remains unclear after his dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus, with the forward now considered unlikely to feature during the November international break.

Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya, citing a source close to Jesus, reported that Ronaldo’s comeback is difficult at present. The most likely outcome is that the 40-year-old will again be left out of the Portugal squad when it is named for the next international window.

The report says that Jesus is standing by the conditions and rules he introduced, which were at the centre of the dispute with Ronaldo.

Portugal Football Federation president Pedro Proenca is continuing to work towards a resolution and is seeking to arrange a meeting between the manager and the captain. However, no agreement has been reached so far.

Al-Riyadiya also reported that there is no truth in claims Jesus is at risk of losing his position because of the row with Ronaldo.

How the dispute began

Ronaldo was included in Jesus’ first squad for four UEFA Nations League matches.

He started Portugal’s opening game against Wales but did not play in the second match, against Norway, remaining an unused substitute throughout.

Jesus subsequently said the circumstances of the match had prevented Ronaldo from taking part.

After Proenca held an urgent meeting with Ronaldo and Jesus, the Portugal captain left the team’s training camp while angry.

Rafael Leao wore the number seven shirt in Ronaldo’s absence in the following match against Denmark. Despite government intervention, the dispute remained unresolved.

Portugal won all of its first four matches in the competition and secured qualification for the quarter-finals before playing the remaining two games.