Ronaldo out of Qualifiers

Cristiano Ronaldo's involvement in the World Cup next summer depends on the likes of Deco and Nani pulling the strings, because he has been ruled out by the Portuguese FA.

In spite of being injured for the last seven games at Real Madrid, and not expected back for another three weeks at the very least, Ronaldo was called up by coach Carlos Queiroz who wanted to see if he could get his star player on teh pitch for their knock-out games against Bosnia.

A fitness test has since ruled Ronaldo out.

"Cristiano was in Lisbon on Tuesday," said Portugal's football federation. "The player is not in good enough physical condition to train with the squad ahead of the play-offs."

The Portuguese FA said they wished Ronaldo a "good and rapid recovery" from an injury he picked up playing for Madrid in a Champions League game against Marseille on 30 September.