Ronaldo fitness row could overshadow Portugal's World Cup quest

Portugal have found themselves embroiled in a club versus country row as they battle to improve their World Cup qualification odds by getting Ronaldo fit for Saturday's crucial tie with Bosnia.

Carlos Queiroz' side must beat the Balkan team over two legs to make next year's finals, with Real Madrid winger Ronaldo not having played for his club for six weeks.

But he was surprisingly still called up for the national side over the weekend, in a move which has angered Real, who maintain the player's ankle injury needs more time to heal.

Ronaldo or no Ronaldo, Portugal will be favourites over both legs against Bosnia, despite their stuttering qualification group campaign.

However, if he does make it onto the pitch the 24-year-old is likely to boost their chances of a smooth ride against Bosnia, who will be hoping for a reasonable result away in the first leg before overcoming their illustrious opponents at home the following Wednesday.

Berfair currently rate Portugal as the 1.48 favourites for Saturday's tie with a wave of cash apparently staked after it was announced Ronaldo had been named in the squad.

Bosnia are the outsiders on 8.80, while the same World Cup betting market lists the draw at 4.50.