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Portugal has been dealt a massive blow ahead of their World Cup playoff tie against Bosnia-Herzegovina with the news that star player Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
The current FIFA World Player of the Year has missed the last seven games for his club side Real Madrid having aggrevated the injury while on international duty in October.
“Cristiano was in Lisbon on Tuesday,” said Portugal’s football federation.
“The player is not in good enough physical condition to train with the squad ahead of the play-offs.”
The decision to have 24 year old report to Lisbon for an assessment has been defended by Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz.
“Based on the rules and principles governing clubs and associations, we have put Cristiano in the squad,” he said.
“Of course, I welcome that these principles have been met.
“I have always said that this is a technical decision and that everyone must be observed before being cleared to play.”
The first leg takes place in Bosnia on Saturday with the return leg next Wednesday.
