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Ronaldo Misses Portugal Training Amid Reports of Jesus Rift

Cristiano Ronaldo has not trained with Portugal since being left on the bench against Norway, with local media reporting he is unhappy with new coach Jorge Jesus.

  • Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal's 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on Sunday.
  • The Portuguese Football Federation said Ronaldo has focused solely on gym work since then.
  • Portugal face Denmark on Thursday and host Norway on Sunday in the Nations League.

Cristiano Ronaldo has not trained with the Portugal squad since being left on the bench during Sunday's 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway, the Portuguese Football Federation said.

The federation said Ronaldo has been focusing solely on gym work, leaving questions over whether he will feature against Denmark on Thursday. Local media reported that the forward is unhappy with new coach Jorge Jesus.

Reports in Portugal stated federation president Pedro Proença travelled to speak with Ronaldo and Jesus after claims the forward was discontented with his omission against Norway. The federation confirmed only that Proença was accompanying the squad in Sweden as they prepare for Thursday's match.

Jesus, who took charge after Roberto Martínez following the World Cup, had explained before the Norway game that he wished to avoid overworking Ronaldo during an unusually long international break in which Portugal play four matches in 11 days. He intended to give Ronaldo minutes against Norway, but match circumstances prevented it, and said afterwards he would "talk to him".

Ronaldo, who has 146 international goals, started in Portugal's 1-0 win over Wales last Thursday and was substituted in the 67th minute. He posted a picture on Instagram on Tuesday wearing his national kit, accompanied by the Portuguese flag and a heart emoji.

Portugal lead Group A4 with six points from two matches, three points ahead of Denmark and Norway. Wales are bottom without a point.

Why this matters: Ronaldo's absence from training raises uncertainty over his availability for Portugal's Nations League fixtures during a congested international break.

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