Cristiano Ronaldo Cleared to Play in 2014 World Cup
Portugal received a huge boost on Saturday as Cristiano Ronaldo resumed training with the national team ahead of their opening World Cup match against Germany.
The Real Madrid forward, who missed all of Portugal’s preparatory friendlies due to injury concerns, took part in training at Florham Park, United States, dispelling doubts over his fitness for the tournament.
Coach Paulo Bento confirmed that Ronaldo will be available for the Group G opener on 16 June, announcing that the squad is at full strength with all 23 players fit for selection.
Ronaldo has been sidelined with a muscle injury to the posterior region of his left thigh, compounded by patellar tendinitis in his left knee. Despite these setbacks, the 29-year-old star is on course to feature against Germany.
“The decision on his return to competition will be made like any other player,” Bento said on Friday. “I am not in a position to discuss this subject in detail. As soon as he is ready to train, we will announce it. The decision will be made by me, by the player and by the doctors, but Ronaldo is not the only good player we have.”
With 110 international caps and 49 goals to his name, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s talisman as they face a tough Group G that includes Germany, the United States, and Ghana.
His return provides a significant morale boost for the Portuguese side as they aim to progress beyond the group stages for the first time since 2006.
