Ronaldo ruled out for another Portugal match

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Portugal's final World Cup qualifier against Malta on Wednesday due to a right ankle injury.

The Real Madrid winger insisted he was fit to start against Hungary last night after spraining his ankle during his club's Champions League win over Marseille on 30 September.

He lasted 27 minutes before being substituted in the 3-0 win over Hungary in Lisbon which saw Carlos Queiroz's team move into pole position for a play-off spot in Group One.

A statement from the Portuguese federation today: ‘After the medical examination and the failure to recover from the injury he has suffered in his right ankle, Cristiano Ronaldo was given permission to leave the Portugal national squad.

‘Therefore, the player cannot play the team's next match on Wednesday, 14 October, in Guimaraes, against Malta.’

Two goals from Simao Sabrosa and a header from Liedson earned Portugal their first home win in the qualifying campaign last night.

That, coupled with Sweden's 1-0 defeat away to Group One winners Denmark, saw the Portuguese move into second place in the pool - a position they can wrap up if they beat Malta.

The 24-year-old had made an impact before his departure as his shot in the 18th minute was fumbled by keeper Gabor Babos and Atletico Madrid winger Simao reacted quickest to tuck away the loose ball and set his side on their way to victory.

The Real Madrid star was then replaced by former Manchester United team-mate Nani.