Ronaldo to play for Portugal with hurt shoulder

MADRID (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo has been cleared to play for Portugal in its upcoming World Cup qualifiers despite injuring his left shoulder in Real Madrid's 2-2 draw at Barcelona.

After examining the forward on Monday, team doctors determined that Ronaldo's injury would not prevent him from taking part in international duty.

Ronaldo arrived at Portugal's training camp Monday, and team doctor Henrique Jones said the shoulder injury was "slight."

"We'll do everything we can to get him ready (for the game at Russia on Friday)," Jones said. "We think that's possible, but we'll be checking up on him every day."

Portugal also plays at home against Northern Ireland on Oct. 16.

Ronaldo scored both of Madrid's goals on Sunday to match Lionel Messi's two as the teams split the points. However, he fell hard on his left shoulder after attempting an overhead kick in the second half.