LONDON — Now that Portugal has made it to the World Cup playoffs, the big question is whether Cristiano Ronaldo will make it, too.

He is the game’s most expensive player and the world player of the year. The Real Madrid star hopes to recover from an ankle injury in time for the playoff games Nov. 14 and 18. If not, he and his country could miss soccer’s showcase event in South Africa next year.
Portugal will find out its playoff opponent Monday. That gives Ronaldo a month to get ready for the two games that will decide the team’s World Cup fate.
Portugal could be matched against Ukraine, Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina or Slovenia in the draw in Zurich. Although Portugal should be capable of beating any of them, the absence of Ronaldo could be crucial for a nation that has never reached the World Cup title game. Portugal reached the semifinals of the 2006 World Cup and was runner-up to Greece at Euro 2004.
Ronaldo limped off during Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Hungary and missed Wednesday’s 4-0 triumph over Malta. According to Real Madrid, he severely sprained his right ankle and will be out up to four weeks — leaving it tight for the playoffs.
To any player, an ankle injury is a problem. To a winger like Ronaldo, who relies so much on his pace, balance and shooting power, it is even more of a blow. He has to be sure the injury won’t flare up again when he is chasing a pass at full speed or making his trademark multiple stepovers.
If Ronaldo returns too early, he could do more damage and wind up sidelined a lot longer. Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz, criticized for his team’s poor play during the early rounds of qualifying, may have to field a squad capable of beating his playoff opponents without risking Ronaldo.
Lingering behind their group rivals for up to a year, the hugely talented but unpredictable Portuguese looked as if they would fail to qualify for South Africa. They made it to the runners-up playoffs by winning their last three group games.
Until then, they had not won at home, losing once to eventual group winner Denmark and drawing 0-0 with Albania and Sweden.
Bearing in mind Portugal has talented stars such as Deco, Ricardo Carvalho, Simao Sabrosa, Nani and Ronaldo, the uninspiring performances have led to suggestions that they can’t play together as a team.
There is also the question of Ronaldo’s play for the national team. Ronaldo in a Portugal shirt doesn’t seem to have the same impact as he does for his club. He didn’t contribute a single goal during the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
But he is proven winner whether the ball is at his feet in a run toward goal or when he lines up a long free kick. If he doesn’t get the chance to display his talents at the 2010 World Cup it will be a major blow to his ego, no matter how well he is playing for Real Madrid.
If Portugal fails to qualify, it could be a World Cup without those bending, dipping 30-yard free kicks and the fast, mesmerizing dribbles and shots that have brought him so many goals for Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Having said that, it also means being spared defenders accusing him of diving to get a free kick or a penalty.
Not to mention all those irritating stepovers.