Ronaldo missed Portugal’s final training session on Wednesday, despite Jesus saying earlier that the 41-year-old forward would take part.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo’s absence but did not provide a reason. Portuguese media reported that the Portugal captain left the training ground in a federation vehicle as his team-mates began their session.
The development follows growing speculation about Ronaldo’s relationship with Jesus after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday.
Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout the match despite warming up before going straight to the dressing room instead of joining his team-mates in greeting the visiting supporters.
Jesus sought to play down the situation at his pre-match press conference, insisting there had been “no incident whatsoever” between him and Ronaldo.
“Any player – and I was a player myself – when you spend 20 or 30 minutes warming up and then don’t get on, no-one is happy about that,” Jesus said.
The coach also rejected reports that Ronaldo had refused to train, saying the forward had instead completed individual exercises focused on mobility and strengthening.
“He didn’t refuse. He’s going to train today,” Jesus said.
Ronaldo, however, did not join the rest of the squad for Wednesday’s session.
Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that Ronaldo left Parken Stadium in a Portuguese Football Federation vehicle shortly after Jesus’ press conference. Spanish newspaper Marca reported that his private jet was expected to travel from Madrid to Copenhagen to collect him.
The latest development follows a period of increased scrutiny over Ronaldo’s role under Jesus.
After the victory over Norway, Ronaldo did not join the rest of the Portugal squad in celebrating with supporters and subsequently trained separately from his team-mates.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença also travelled to Copenhagen earlier than planned as the situation between Ronaldo and Jesus became a major talking point. Portuguese media reported that Proença met both men as efforts were made to ease tensions.
Jesus had said Ronaldo could feature against Denmark if required, while indicating that Gonçalo Ramos was expected to start.
“If everything goes according to plan, it will be Goncalo who plays,” Jesus said.
“If I need [Ronaldo], he’ll come on. If I don’t need him, he won’t.”
Ronaldo’s departure has cast further doubt over his involvement in Thursday’s match against Denmark. However, there has been no official confirmation that he has withdrawn from the Portugal squad or ended his international career.
His representatives were not immediately available for comment, according to Reuters.
