Cristiano Ronaldo is still part of the Portugal squad despite his recent absence, according to coach Fernando Santos.
The 33-year-old forward last played for his nation at the World Cup in Russia, where they were eliminated by Uruguay in the round of 16.
Without him, Portugal have managed to reach the Nations League finals, becoming the first side to qualify after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Italy in Milan.
But Santos said there should be no questions that the Juventus star is still an important part of his squad.
Portugal are the first team to qualify for the Nations League final four.
They remain unbeaten without Cristiano Ronaldo since the World Cup:
Portugal 1-1 Croatia
Portugal 1-0 Italy
Poland 2-3 Portugal
Scotland 1-3 Portugal
Italy 0-0 PortugalOne man team? ? pic.twitter.com/tleZqc4Odu
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) November 17, 2018
‘There is no doubt,’ he told a news conference.
‘Cristiano Ronaldo is part of this team.’
The former Real Madrid man is Portugal’s all-time leader in both goals (85) and appearances (154), while only Iran’s Ali Daei (109) has netted more times in internationals.
Mais um jogo rumo ao objectivo. Boa sorte, malta!??⚽️ pic.twitter.com/PWNJZzDdaN
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 17, 2018