Cristiano Ronaldo was left bloodied and dazed following a sickening collision during Portugal’s Nations League clash with Czech Republic on Saturday night.
The Manchester United forward, who has spent the past few weeks warming the bench at Old Trafford after missing the club’s pre-season tour, led the line for his country in the crunch clash.
But he was left worse for wear and bleeding following a heavy clash with Czech Republic goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik. The pair collided as Ronaldo attempted to attack a cross in the box during the second-half of the match.
Ronaldo was left floored and needed lengthy treatment but he was able to stay on and see out the match after getting patched up on the sidelines.
Portugal were leading 3-0 at the time of Ronaldo’s injury, courtesy of goals from two Manchester United’s teammates. Diogo Dalot netted a brace while Bruno Fernandes was also on target for Fernando Santos’ side.
Diogo Jota added a fourth for Portugal in the 82nd minute to seal the win. The thumping win, coupled with Spain’s shock defeat to Switzerland, was enough to send Portugal to the top of group A2.
And the 37-year-old could even be handed a chance to stake a claim for a regular starting spot in the coming weeks after both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, who are both currently ahead of the veteran in the Old Trafford pecking order, missed the clash against the Moldovan champions.
Although new United boss Erik ten Hag has used Ronaldo sparingly in the early stages of his tenure, the Dutchman has repeatedly insisted that the former Rid and Juventus man is firmly in his first-team plans going forward.
“He’s committed to this project, totally committed to this team, totally involved, he also has connections that are coming around him and he is constructing connections so I’m happy with that,” Ten Hag said after the win over Sheriff.
