Another Portugal Star Suspended Amid Uncertainty Over Ronaldo’s Return

Portugal have suffered another setback amid uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the national team. Winger Francisco Conceicao has been handed a three-match suspension, ruling him out of two important Nations League fixtures next month and the first leg of the quarter-finals in March.

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Conceicao was sent off during Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway at the Dragao Stadium.

UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body reportedly imposed the three-match ban over allegations that the winger used offensive language towards the referee.

Conceicao received two yellow cards within a short period while protesting the referee’s decisions, forcing him to leave the pitch in the 86th minute.

He later became involved in an argument with the fourth official while returning to the dressing room. Members of Portugal’s national team technical staff had to intervene to calm the situation.

As a result of the suspension, Conceicao will miss Portugal’s final two group-stage matches against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17.

He will also be unavailable for the first leg of the Nations League quarter-finals next March.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo had previously faced disciplinary action after leaving the national team’s camp during the last international break.

His suspension is expected to expire before this month’s international fixtures. However, uncertainty remains over whether head coach Jorge Jesus will include him in the squad due to reported tensions within the team.

The combination of Ronaldo’s uncertain return and Conceicao’s suspension has created fresh concerns for Portugal ahead of their upcoming international commitments.

However, the Portuguese Football Federation can appeal to UEFA in an attempt to have Conceicao’s suspension reduced or overturned.