Ronaldo missed Portugal training ahead of South Korea clash amid mounting injury concerns for Santos
- Ronaldo missed Portugal's training session
- Worked on an individual plan
- Might be rested against Korea Republic
WHAT HAPPENED? Ronaldo did not train with the group ahead of their final group-stage clash against South Korea in Group H on Friday. He instead worked individually, reportedly sticking to a tailor-made plan. The 37-year-old started both of Portugal's opening games against Ghana and Uruguay, and is not considered an injury doubt at this stage.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Portugal have already qualified for the round of 16 and so head coach Fernando Santos can afford the luxury to rest the forward. He has serious injury concerns elsewhere, however, with Nuno Mendes set to miss the rest of the World Cup with a thigh injury after he limped off in tears during Portugal's win over Uruguay. Danilo Pereira and Otavio were also absent from Portugal's latest training session as they are recovering from broken ribs and muscular problems respectively.
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WHAT NEXT FOR PORTUGAL? The Seleccao will take the field against South Korea on Friday in their final group-stage encounter at the Education City Stadium.