Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in friendly vs. Mexico due to knee injury

The Ghanaian witch doctor was amusing at first. Funny, actually. An interesting, whimsical tidbit not to be taken seriously by anyone.

The latter is probably still true, but as of Thursday, this ordeal is not as humorous.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed today that bewitched star Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in the team's friendly against Mexico on Friday, as he is still recovering from tendinitis in his knee.

He is yet to rejoin his teammates in full training, working with team therapists through individual drills.

The Real Madrid star will be joined on the sidelines by Pepe and Raul Meireles, who are also dealing with ailments of their own.

Portugal play one more World Cup tune-up after Friday's contest, as they will head to Dublin for a meeting with Ireland before departing for Brazil, where they play their opening match of the tournament against Germany on June 17.