Ronaldo May No Longer Start Every Portugal Match — Jesus

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo may no longer start every match for the national team as the coaching staff considers his physical condition and workload.

Jesus made the comments ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Norway in Oslo on Sunday.

The coach said he had already discussed Ronaldo’s playing time with the veteran forward and would assess his condition before deciding whether he would start against Norway or begin the match on the bench.

Ronaldo started Portugal’s opening Group A4 fixture against Wales but was substituted in the second half after playing 65 minutes. Gonçalo Ramos replaced him in the 67th minute.

Jesus said Ronaldo’s training performance would also be considered when selecting the starting lineup.

The Portuguese coach stressed that the forward’s age meant his workload needed to be managed carefully, particularly with matches being played within short periods.

Ronaldo, who is 41, remains an important figure for Portugal and started the team’s 1-0 victory over Wales in their opening Nations League match.

However, Jesus indicated that selection would not be based solely on the player’s reputation or previous status within the national team.

He said Ronaldo’s physical condition, recovery and performances during training would all provide information for determining his involvement.

Portugal now face a difficult test against Norway, who enter the encounter after victories over Denmark and Brazil.

The match will provide Jesus with another opportunity to assess his squad as Portugal continue their Nations League campaign.

Ronaldo will hope to feature against Norway as he continues his international career under the new coach.

Jesus’ comments also suggest that Portugal could adopt a more flexible approach to managing the veteran forward’s minutes, depending on the demands of individual matches and his condition.

The coach is expected to make his final decision closer to kick-off, with Ronaldo’s fitness and training performance among the factors that could determine whether he starts or comes on as a substitute.