Ronaldo back for Portugal after ankle operation

October 3, 2008

LISBON, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Portugal recalled Cristiano Ronaldo to their squad on Friday for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Albania.

"It is great to be back," the Manchester United winger told the Portuguese Soccer Federation's website.

"It is always a great pride representing our country and I work hard and well to contribute to the success of the team," said Ronaldo, just back from ankle surgery.

Portugal visit Group One rivals Sweden on Oct. 11 before hosting Albania four days later.

Coach Carlos Queiroz will be without defender Ricardo Carvalho and midfielder Simao Sabrosa through injury.

Queiroz included Chelsea playmaker Deco in the squad although he has not fully recovered from a thigh injury.

Goalkeepers: Quim (Benfica), Eduardo Carvalho (Braga), Daniel Fernandes (VfL Bochum)

Defenders: Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Fernando Meira (Galatasaray), Bruno Alves (Porto), Pepe (Real Madrid), Vitorino Antunes (Lecce), Miguel (Valencia), Tonel (Sporting)

Midfielders: Raul Meireles (Porto), Joao Moutinho (Sporting), Carlos Martins (Benfica), Danny (Zenit St Petersburg), Maniche (Atletico Madrid), Deco (Chelsea), Yannick Djalo (Sporting)

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Nuno Gomes (Benfica), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), Nani (Manchester United), Ricardo Quaresma (Inter Milan)