Cristiano Ronaldo could have to wait until next Tuesday for his second full Manchester United debut.
The Portugal forward was suspended from Tuesday evening's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan after he removed his shirt while celebrating his record-breaking winner against the Republic of Ireland.
Rather than keep Ronaldo in the squad for last weekend’s friendly against Qatar, Fernando Santos released the player in order to help him accelerate his move to United - but there's a problem.
After having to isolate for five days in his stunning seven-bedroom Cheshire mansion due to COVID rules, Ronaldo will only have one full day to train with his new teammates.
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United applied for an "elite sport exemption" on Ronaldo’s behalf, but the government rejected it, so Ronaldo will be treated just like any other traveller who enters the country from abroad.
As a result, it is unlikely to be enough time for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to pick the 36-year-old from the start for Saturday’s home game against Newcastle United.
Even without the COVID restrictions, the international break would have restricted Solskjaer to just Friday to integrate Ronaldo into the side.
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But fans will still be able to welcome him back to Old Trafford with the player expected to make a solo walk to the centre circle before kick-off after being announced to the crowd.
It is the most eagerly anticipated signing of a player in the club’s history as the 36-year old returns to Old Trafford after 12 trophy-laden years away in Spain and Italy.
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Premier League