Cristiano Ronaldo Expected Shock Return To Health Sees Him Ready For Weekend Match

It’s almost trite to sarcastically note a prominent player’s drastic injury recovery as an international break ends, but it has happened again, and again it’s being reported (seemingly straight faced) as a player returning early.

As can be seen there, Cristiano Ronaldo is not only available for Real Madrid’s match this weekend against Osasuna, but his return is being characterized as ahead of schedule. Ronaldo ostensibly was hurt in Real Madrid’s first game – right before the break – and is now ready for their second match? That sounds like his return’s on schedule.

I have no problem with a player choosing club over country, and I don’t even have a problem with the public relations spin player or employer put on the decision. When the England national team sends both Michael Dawson and Jermaine Defoe back to Tottenham with long term injuries, I can see why clubs and players might try to limit their injury exposure. I just find it funny that a prominent news source, in characterizing Ronaldo’s return as early, doesn’t get the game.

Still, it is unfortunate that Portugal’s national team is in a bit of chaos while Ronaldo is choosing to favor his Real Madrid obligations. Again, I don’t begrudge him that choice, but as Portugal was drawn at home by Cyprus, lost on the road in Norway, and then fired their suspended coach, you wonder if Ronaldo’s long-term national team aspirations might have been better served to play this week.

Again, assuming he could go (and Ronaldo did take a huge hit for Portugal by worsening his ankle with them during World Cup qualifying), Ronaldo’s choice to stay with Madrid may cost him a chance to play in Poland-Ukraine. And I’m assuming he does want to play in Euro 2012.