Ronaldo to play for Portugal with hurt shoulder

(AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

MADRID (AP) Real Madrid says Cristiano Ronaldo has been cleared to play for Portugal in its upcoming World Cup qualifiers despite injuring his left shoulder in Sunday'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 internationaly duty.

Portugal is set to play qualifiers at Russia on Oct. 12 and against Northern Ireland on Oct. 16.

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

Updated October 8, 2012