Cristiano Ronaldo’s plan could have major implications for the Liverpool star

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has detailed his plan to integrate Cristiano Ronaldo back into his Portugal squad ahead of the upcoming European Championship. Ronaldo was given a week off after the end of the Saudi Pro League season, which ended with him in tears after losing on penalties in the Copa del Rey final.

Ronaldo enjoyed an impressive season in the Middle East, scoring 35 goals in 31 league games, breaking the record for most goals in a season in the Saudi Pro League. But he failed to win any silverware and will now turn his attention to trying to do just that on the international stage.

Ronaldo and Al-Hilal star Ruben Neves will now link up with Portugal’s squad on Friday but will miss Saturday’s friendly against Croatia. Instead, they will play their final warm-up game against the Republic of Ireland a week before the tournament opener against the Czech Republic on June 18.

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Manager Roberto Martinez revealed: “Ruben Neves and Cristiano Ronaldo will arrive on June 7. All the players had seven days to adapt, prepare for the Euros and refresh their minds. The plan for both of them is to skip the Croatia game and play against Ireland.”

This plan could have major implications for Liverpool star Diogo Jota. Jota started and scored in Portugal’s first warm-up game against Finland earlier this week.

But he has struggled to carve out a regular role in Portugal, with Ronaldo’s presence still looming large. Ronaldo’s role as a focal point in attack ahead of his 12th international tournament means it could be difficult for Jota to earn a place in the starting line-up.

However, missing out on Ronaldo against Croatia could give him one last chance to stake his claim before Ronaldo inevitably returns to the starting line-up.

While Liverpool fans have no doubts about Jota’s talents, his injury problems and the presence of Ronaldo have somewhat limited his influence on the national team. He started just two games in the recent qualifying campaign, both against Lichtenstein, amid a strong squad rotation after missing the 2022 World Cup through injury.

Started in a central role against Finland. But that position will almost certainly become unavailable with plans to reintroduce a refreshed Ronaldo into the fold. It could mean opportunities are limited for Jota as Ronaldo aims to help lead Portugal to a repeat of their Euro 2016 victory.