Ronaldo out of Portugal´s final qualifier

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo will not be fit to play in Portugal’s final World Cup qualifier against Malta on Wednesday.

Ronaldo had shaken off a twisted ankle to start Saturday’s Group One clash against Hungary, but lasted just 27 minutes of the 3-0 victory at the capital’s La Luz stadium.

“After a latest clinical examination and the impossibility of recovering from the knock on his right ankle, Cristiano Ronaldo has been allowed to leave (the squad),” the federation said in a statement on Sunday.

Portugal lie second in their group and need only to beat Malta at home to be sure of a place in the play-offs.

Denmark have won Group One after beating Sweden 1-0 on Saturday.