FIFA World Cup 2014 Predictions: Portugal Coach Paulo Bento Believes Cristiano Ronaldo Will Be Fit for World Cup in Brazil; Radamel Falcao Could Play for Colombia
Portugal coach Paulo Bento is confident that star forward Cristiano Ronaldo will be fully fit in time for their upcoming campaign in 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil next month.
Ronaldo has been slowed down by hamstring and knee injuries over the past several weeks, completing just two of Real Madrid's last nine games.
The 29-year-old forward only played for seven minutes during Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Real Valladolid on May 7 due to a hurting thigh, which could also be the reason why he sat out during the club's 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo on Saturday.
But while he is confident that Ronaldo will be ready for the World Cup, Bento admitted that he could be forced to manage the striker's minutes in the tournament.
"We have faith that [Ronaldo] will arrive fine at the tournament," Bento said via Marca. "At this moment you must know what is happening and look at the condition in which he will arrive. Then we will try and manage his condition in best way possible."
Recent reports indicated that Ronaldo might play in their final league game on Saturday because he is aiming to become the sole winner of this season's European Golden Boot award. He currently has 31 league goals this season, and is currently tied with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, whose campaign has already ended on Sunday.
When asked if he will try to contact Real Madrid to rest Ronaldo to avoid aggravating his injury, Bento said that he has no plans to do so because it is none of his business.
"The national coach does not get involved in the club's business," Bento said. "I like all my players to play, another thing is if they are fit to do so or not."
Meanwhile, Radamel Falcao could also play in the upcoming tournament as he was included by coach Jose Pekerman in Colombia's 30-man preliminary squad for the World Cup.
Falcao has been sidelined since January after sustaining a torn ACL, but the 28-year-old striker recently said that his knee has been responding well to treatment and rehabilitation.
"I am getting better and I'm very happy with how the knee is reacting," Falcao said via SFGate. "I'm starting on the pitch with the ball, again getting used to what used to be familiar."