Why is CR7 not playing for Portugal against Croatia today in the Nations League?

The Al Nassr striker was sent home by Roberto Martínez, along with other senior team members.

Al Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature in Portugal's Nations League match against Croatia at Poljud Stadium in Split tonight.

The Portuguese forward, along with a number of teammates, was sent home early from training camp to give space for the younger faces in the squad to get minutes on the pitch.

“In the first phase we made six changes from one match to another,” Martínez argued. “It is important for us to be first, and we already are. We have to be competitive to add to the group, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get into the starting eleven. There will be a World Cup final in 18 months.

Four players left the Portuguese camp early

“The match against Croatia is important, we have to look at other players. We are going to release Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, who are suspended. We are going to call up Fábio Silva and Quenda for the Under-21s.”

Despite his age (39) and doubts about his performance at Euro 2024, Ronaldo has been in impressive form for his club and country this year. He scored twice in Portugal's recent victory over Poland, taking his season total to 15 goals.

However, with Portugal having already qualified as group leaders and Croatia finished (bar a six-goal swing), Martínez saw rest as the preferred option for certain players in the squad. Luka Modric is still part of the Croatia squad and is expected to play.