One of the things you really have to keep an eye on heading into the World Cup is the health of key players. Already several major soccer stars will either miss or be limited in the Cup, thanks to the grueling club season.
And Friday morning there was this news out of Lisbon that may give hope to U.S. fans:
Ronaldo to miss Portugal’s friendly against Greece
LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo will sit out Portugal’s friendly against Greece on Saturday as he looks to recuperate for the World Cup.
Ronaldo has been dogged by leg injuries and sore muscles in recent months, though he played in last weekend’s Champions League final and scored the fourth goal in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid.
Portugal coach Paulo Bento said Friday he wouldn’t risk playing Ronaldo against the Greeks in Lisbon.
Real Madrid center-back Pepe, who missed the Champions League final with a calf injury, is also sidelined.
Bento has said Ronaldo will be given special medical attention to get him fully fit in time for Portugal’s June 16 World Cup opening game against Germany. The United States and Ghana are also in Portugal’s group.
