Portugal vs Norway: UEFA Nations League – Ronaldo latest, Haaland, teams

Portugal return to Estadio do Dragao on Sunday to face Norway in a Nations League Group A4 fixture taking place at 20:45 local time (18:45 GMT). The reigning Nations League winners are unbeaten in the current group, collecting nine points from three matches after victories over Wales, Norway (2-1 in Oslo), and a 4-2 win in Copenhagen against Denmark.

The match carries a notable subplot after Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo abruptly left the national team camp late on Wednesday. The 41-year-old departed following a news conference in which coach Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo would not start for a second successive Nations League game; Ronaldo later posted on Instagram that he would explain his reasons for leaving the team in due course. Jesus, appointed in July, has denied a rift while acknowledging the player’s disappointment at being benched.

Norway arrive in Porto with just three points from the group, having beaten Denmark 3-2 in their opening match but then losing 2-1 at home to Portugal and 2-1 to Wales. Their offense has largely depended on Erling Haaland, who has scored three Nations League goals so far, and Oscar Bobb, who has contributed two. Haaland's club form — seven goals in seven games for Manchester City at the start of the season, as noted in coverage — underlines the threat he poses.

Team news ahead of the fixture includes doubts over Portugal winger Francisco Conceicao with a thigh problem. For Norway, wing-back Julian Ryerson is doubtful with a muscle injury and centre-back Torbjorn Heggem is suspended. Probable lineups listed for Portugal feature Diogo Costa in goal and Goncalo Ramos leading the attack; Norway’s predicted XI includes Orjan Nyland in goal with Haaland up front.