Eye injury forces Ronaldo out of Portugal friendly

Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has been forced out of Wednesday’s international friendly against Gabon.

The Real Madrid suffered an eye injury in the opening stages of the Spanish side’s 2-1 La Liga win over Levante on Sunday, and was taken off at half-time as a result of the problem.

“He’s dizzy. In the first half he was unable to see properly with that eye, but during the break he couldn’t see properly with either,” Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said after the match.

“So it was impossible for him to continue. When he gets to Madrid he will go to hospital to have the tests he needs.”

The prolific goalscorer has opted not to take any risks and will remain in Madrid to recover rather than represent the national side this midweek.

Valencia defender Joao Pereira and Dynamo Kiev midfielder Miguel Veloso have also pulled out of the squad because of injuries.