Portugal is getting back its best player while the Swedes are without many of their top names for Saturday's World Cup qualifier.

Cristiano Ronaldo is returning to international play for the first time since the European Championship, and that's bad news for the injury-depleted Swedish team, which is likely to be without nearly half of its regular lineup at Rasunda Stadium (2 p.m. ET), where the Scandinavians have only lost one game in 10 years.

Portugal beat Malta 4-0 in its opening qualifier but was then upset at home 3-2 by Denmark after conceding three late goals and is fourth in Group 1 with three points. Albania, Denmark and Sweden all have four points after two games.

"From here on in it's going to be difficult and we can't lose any more games like we did against Denmark," said Ronaldo, who underwent ankle surgery after Euro 2008 in June.

Portugal is without Chelsea playmaker Deco, who is still recovering from a torn thigh muscle. Midfielder Maniche, winger Simao Sabrosa and central defender Ricardo Carvalho are also sidelined with injuries.

Coach Carlos Queiroz said Portugal now have to win points on the road to make up for the Denmark defeat.

"I can assure you we'll be looking for three points in Sweden," he said. "I want us to play our usual game and make the Swedes defend and cause them headaches. . . . We can't allow three goals against us in games like these. We can't afford any more mistakes."

Ronaldo is likely to play as a striker, with Danny replacing Deco in midfield.

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