Ronaldo omitted from Portugal squad to face Croatia

Cristiano Ronaldo was omitted from Portugal’s match squad to face Croatia in the first round of the Nations League in Porto, according to an AFP report.

The Juventus attacker, a five-time Golden Ball winner, has been struggling with an infected toe,

Ronaldo could be replaced in the starting lineup by Eintracht Frankfurt forward Andre Silva or Wolves winger Diogo Jota, said the AFP report.

Coach Fernando Santos had warned earlier he doubted Ronaldo, who had not been able to train with the squad, would be able to start.

Porto midfielder Sergio Oliveira was assigned the number seven jersey usually reserved for Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time top scorer, who remains on 99 international goals.