Football: Ronaldo in line for Russian return, says Pepe

LISBON: Portugal defender Pepe says his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo is the likelier of the two to overcome injury in time for their crunch World Cup qualifier in Russia tomorrow. Ronaldo has a shoulder injury and Pepe is suffering from a thigh strain. “I think Ronaldo has a better chance of playing in the match than I do, but we both want to be there to help Portugal,” said Pepe. The match is a table-topper for European zone Group F, as both Portugal and Russia have two wins from their opening two games. “It’s a big match for us, but not a crucial one. It’s always good to beat your main rivals, but avoiding defeat would also be a positive result.” Portugal’s 23-man squad was due to fly to Moscow on Wednesday, and will return together ahead of a second World Cup qualifier with Northern Ireland.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11^th, 2012.