Cristiano Ronaldo suffered an injury scare whilst on international duty during Portugal’s 2-1 defeat to France in a high-profile friendly on Saturday night.
The Real Madrid superstar was forced off with 76 minutes on the clock at the Stade de France, and was later seen on the substitutes bench with an ice pack strapped and bandaged on his left knee.
At the time, the visitors were two goals behind after Karim Benzema opened the scoring and Paul Pogba doubled the advantage, although Ricardo Quaresma made it interesting late on when converting a penalty following his introduction.
Portugal were unable to draw level however, and tasted defeat in Paris ahead of a crucial European Championship qualifier in Denmark on Tuesday night. There must now be questions over Ronaldo’s participation in that match.
Benzema’s opener
That will be of little consequence to Les Bleus, who took the lead after just three minutes when Rui Patricio’s save from a back post Bacary Sagna effort fell into the path of Benzema. The Los Blancos superstar did the rest.
Ronaldo was up to his usual tricks but unable to make a serious dent in the French side, but it was Luis Nani who had the best chance to equalise before half-time. His tame effort whilst one-on-one with Steven Mandanda trickled wide though.
Pogba made him pay after the break, slotting home after good work from Patrice Evra and Benzema created the chance. It proved to be the winner.
Ancelotti injury fear
Before Portugal pulled one back, Ronaldo was forced off to have his knee strapped with 14 minutes left, and that is sure to be a concern to club manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid are currently fourth in a domestic league battle with Barcelona, Valencia and Sevilla, and the Italian will want his superstar firing on all cylinders at the Santiago Bernabeu with games against Levante, Liverpool and Barca coming up.
The severity of the injury is yet to be confirmed.
France vs Portugal – Friendly (Oct 11, 2014)
[fbphotos id=845216952184523]
Leave us a reply