Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Portugal’s squad, announced by head coach Roberto Martínez on Friday at Cidade do Futebol, for this month’s friendlies against Mexico and the United States.

The Al-Nassr forward picked up the injury during a recent Saudi Pro League match. He has since traveled to Spain for rehabilitation.

The 41-year-old is targeting a return to full fitness ahead of the World Cup, which is expected to be the final major tournament of his illustrious career.

Roberto Martinez insists his participation in the World Cup is not in doubt. “No, he’s not in danger,” Martinez said. “It’s a minor muscle injury, and we think he can be back in a week or two. Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows that he’s in great shape.”

In Ronaldo’s absence, Real Sociedad winger Goncalo Guedes has been given his first national team call-up since 2022.

West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes earns a first senior call-up after representing Portugal 18 times at the under-21 level.

Martínez included Cristiano’s club teammate João Félix among the forwards in his 27-man squad.

SC Braga’s all-time scorer Ricardo Horta was also called up.

FC Porto’s Rodrigo Mora was called but later taken off the list, due to a thigh injury.

Several notable players were left off for various physical reasons, including City duo Rúben Dias and Bernardo Silva, as well as Tottenham midfielder João Palhinha.

Portugal will play Mexico on March 28 in Mexico City and the United States on March 31 in Atlanta.

GK: Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Silva

D: Matheus Nunes, Diogo Dalot, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, António Silva, Tomás Araújo

M: Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Mateus Fernandes, João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes

S: Ricardo Horta, Pedro Gonçalves, João Félix, Trincão, Conceição, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Guedes, Gonçalo Ramos