Ronaldo could return to Portugal squad after dispute with Jorge Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly been included in Portugal’s preliminary squad for November’s Nations League fixtures, raising the possibility of his return after his dispute with coach Jorge Jesus.

A federation source told AFP on Tuesday that the 41-year-old is in contention for matches against Denmark and Wales on 14 and 17 November respectively. Portugal will host Denmark before travelling to face Wales.

A spokesperson for the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed Ronaldo’s possible inclusion and said Jesus will announce the final squad on 6 November.

Ronaldo left the Portugal camp without warning on 30 September during the opening Nations League qualifiers. He later accused Jesus of failing to keep a promise to give him playing time.

The FPF announced last week that Ronaldo had been given a 30-day suspension for walking out of the camp. The punishment was backdated, meaning he will be eligible to return by the end of this week.

Ronaldo apologised to supporters earlier in October and said he would accept whatever punishment was handed down.

In a social media post shortly after leaving his team-mates, Ronaldo said Jesus had promised he would play against Norway but had not honoured that commitment. He also made clear that he had no intention of retiring from international football.

The Portugal captain said another source of tension was the coach’s failure to mention at a news conference before the match against Denmark a number of points they had agreed.

Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions, have won all four of their matches in the competition. Three of those victories came without Ronaldo, and the results secured their place in the quarter-finals with two games still to play.

Ronaldo is the leading goalscorer and most-capped player in men’s international football. He made his Portugal debut in 2003, aged 18, and has won the Ballon d’Or five times.

He has said the current year will “probably” be his final one in football.