Cristiano Ronaldo set to return for Portugal in November despite disciplinary case

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return to the Portugal squad during the November international break, despite the Football Federation of Portugal opening disciplinary proceedings against the forward.

The decision to recall Ronaldo was confirmed by Pedro Proenca, president of the Football Federation of Portugal, only hours after the federation’s disciplinary council announced that it had begun proceedings against the 41-year-old.

Ronaldo is facing action after leaving Portugal’s training camp during the previous international break, 24 hours before the team’s match against Denmark.

The disciplinary council also announced a temporary, non-automatic suspension for the Al-Nassr captain and classified the case as “urgent”. The measure is the first formal punishment in the case, with a final sanction to be decided once the investigation has been completed.

Despite the proceedings, Proenca said the federation, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez and Ronaldo’s team-mates all wanted the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to return.

“The Federation, the coach and all of Cristiano’s team-mates are aligned: we want Cristiano back,” Proenca said in comments reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

“I expect him back already during the November international break. He is also keen to return – he is the best player of all time.”

Proenca’s comments came amid reports that Ronaldo could face a suspension lasting between one and six months. The president’s expectation of a November return indicates that Portugal believe he will be available for the final stage of their UEFA Nations League group campaign.

Portugal will complete that phase next month by hosting Denmark on 14 November. They will then travel to face Wales three days later in their final group match.

The team have already secured a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals after winning each of their first four matches. Those results have left Portugal top of their group with 12 points.

Ronaldo’s anticipated return means he could be involved in the two matches that conclude Portugal’s group-stage schedule, subject to the outcome of the ongoing disciplinary process.