Cristiano Ronaldo is out of Portugal team due to his ankle injury

Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of Portugal's World Cup play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina due to his ankle injury. The Portuguese football federation had been hoping to have the winger available for the two-legged tie, despite his club Real Madrid claiming he was not fit enough to take part.

Ronaldo travelled to Lisbon today to undergo tests with the Portugal medical team, who subsequently ruled the player out of the tie. "Cristiano was in Lisbon on Tuesday," Portugal's football federation said this evening. "The player is not in good enough physical condition to train with the squad ahead of the play-offs."

Ronaldo has not played for Madrid since their Champions League tie against Marseille on 30 September. He did appear for Portugal in their final World Cup qualification group game against Hungary on 10 October, but limped off early as his side secured a 3-0 win to ensure their play-off spot.

Madrid had earlier voiced their objection to the player leaving for national duty.

Portugal's coach, Carlos Queiroz, defended his decision to ask Ronaldo to return to Portugal for assessment. "Based on the rules and principles governing clubs and associations, we have put Cristiano in the squad," he told the Portuguese sports daily A Bola. "Of course, I welcome that these principles have been met. I have always said that this is a technical decision and that everyone must be observed before being cleared to play.

"Cristiano and everyone will be observed. Our medical team are competent and responsible, and you will see what happens. I do not understand the nervousness in some sectors. It is a decision that is non-negotiable, unavoidable, a decision that protects the interests of the player.

"I was coach of Real. The club deserves respect; I know the medical team, president and CEO. I have every respect for that club. But this fact cannot compel me to put any club below or above the others. All clubs and players deserve equal treatment."

Portugal were drawn to play Bosnia-Herzegovina in the play-off with the first leg to be played in Leiria on Saturday.

Cristiano Ronaldo injury report

After examining the evolution of Cristiano Ronaldo's injury today, it was determined that there has been no clinical improvement of the bone edema in the center of his right ankle. The player cannot, therefore, begin training and must continue treatment and relief work until another examination is carried out.

EXTENDED MEDICAL REPORT:
Regarding the clinical evolution of Cristiano Ronaldo's right ankle, and following and MRI and CT scan, because of the persistance of bone edema in the right ankle, the player and medical staff have decided to consult with Professor Van Dyjk, who operated on the same ankle a year and a half ago.