The 2017 Confederations Cup is drawing closer as the stage in Russia looks set to host a marvellous tournament full of exciting action.
Portugal, Chile and Germany are already many people’s favourites to go far and win it outright – and Cristiano Ronaldo’s EURO 2016 champions are perhaps the standout name.
Much has been made of Ronaldo’s decision to take part in Portugal’s involvement in the World Cup warm-up competition, so let’s examine why it might not be such a good idea for the current Ballon d’Or holder to take part.
#1 Ronnie risks injury
Undoubtedly, Portugal are far more threatening offensively with Ronaldo in their ranks, but Zinedine Zidane might just have a few sleepless nights worrying about his biggest Real Madrid star picking up an injury.
A niggling strain would not be too bad, but Portugal’s talisman runs the risk of seriously harming himself. The Confederations Cup might not be the most fiercely contested trophy in international football, but it’s a chance for teams like New Zealand and Australia to prove themselves and those are the sort of matches where a stray tackle or misplaced foot could cause havoc with “Ronnie”.
Also read: FIFA Confederations Cup 2017: Six players who will light up the tournament
Chasing down Ferenc Pukas’ all-time greatest international haul of 84 goals is certainly a huge part of Ronaldo’s motivation to take part (as well as wanting to lead his country to more silverware), but staying fit and nimble is also something he should be aiming for, and partaking in the Confed Cup jeopardizes that.
Madrid fans won’t be happy if he picks up a long-term injury – it could have a serious impact on their 2017/18 season.
#2 Knock-on burnout effects could follow next season
Having had very little rest time following a long and competitive season with Los Merengues which saw Ronaldo help the club win the league title and the UCL crown for an unprecedented second consecutive season, it will be interesting to see how his involvement in the Confed Cup affects him next season.
Ronaldo has defied expectations time and again throughout his career – redefining himself time and again, but at 32 years of age, time is not on his side.
How long will he be able to keep hitting insane goal numbers and playing regularly at the highest level?
Madrid will want him fresh for as long as possible next season, but without ample rest time – especially with Portugal expected to go far – he could experience the knock-on effects of burnout at the most inopportune time once 2017/18 rolls into focus.
#3 Fans could miss him for USA El Clasico showdown
The International Champions Cup has pulled off a major coup by pitting Real Madrid against Barcelona in Miami, USA on July 29.
Although the fixture doesn’t clash with the Confed Cup, which ends in early July, it's possible that Ronaldo could skip the game to get some rest ahead of the new La Liga season.
It would be a shame to not see him go head-to-head with Lionel Messi in such a historic match, but Ronaldo might just have to sacrifice his involvement in order to get time for a well-earned vacation – especially now that he has announced the birth of two twins.
Having never featured in the Confed Cup before, it's interesting that he has decided to hunt glory this time – he already has so much on his plate.
Family time is likely to play a huge role in pulling him away from a pre-season tournament that will not be too high on his list of priorities.
#4 Confed involvement casts doubt on Super Cup appearance
Another tantalising fixture that “Ronnie” could skip is the huge UEFA Super Cup match.
Setting UEFA Champions League winners against Europa League champions, Ronaldo looked set to be reunited with his former employers Manchester United, but not that is not a guarantee at all.
Marca have claimed that Madrid are happy to leave him out so that he gets some rest time.
It's probably for the best, but even the minimal rest he does get will not be enough for him – having played regularly this past season, CR7 needs more down time than usual if he is to go again for another Ballon d’Or crown.
#5 Spotlight on him – not good for team morale
While Ronaldo may be considered one of the greatest players of this generation, his involvement with the national team may prove detrimental to the team down the line.
He ranks considerably higher than his team-mates which means some players may feel resentment towards him and that could become evident in the team's games.
This effectively could have been the chance for younger players to break into the first team, prove their worth and offer the coach another option, but instead, it will be the Ronaldo show yet again.
Far be it for anyone to begrudge him his place in the starting XI – he has more than earned it – but for the majority of the EURO 2016 final, his team-mates proved themselves capable of getting things done in his absence.
A hero of his generation, Ronaldo is looking to add another international honour to his trophy cabinet, but questions will be asked if he does not deliver, and if Russia 2018 sees him missing through injury, they will not know who to call upon in his absence.
