Portugal's Squad Announced for Pre-World Cup Friendlies Amid Key Player Absences
Key Player Omissions
Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic striker, will not participate due to a minor muscle injury. Additionally, Bernardo Silva from Manchester City has been excluded from the squad, with manager Roberto Martinez citing a 'technical decision' for his absence.
Upcoming Matches
Portugal is set to face Mexico on March 28 at the Azteca Banorte Stadium, followed by a match against the USA on March 31 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Training Schedule and World Cup Group Details
According to the team's announcement, training will commence in Mexico next Tuesday, with players gathering on Monday. In the World Cup, Portugal is placed in Group K alongside Uzbekistan and Colombia, kicking off their campaign against the qualifier team on June 17 in Houston.
Martinez Addresses Player Exclusions
Martinez reassured fans regarding Ronaldo's condition, stating, 'The World Cup is not at risk! He is not at risk. It is a minor muscle injury, and we believe he can return in a week or two. Cristiano has shown great physical form throughout the season.'
Regarding Silva, he mentioned, 'Bernardo Silva's exclusion is a technical decision based on medical information provided by his club.'
Portugal's Squad for Friendlies
The following players have been called up by Roberto Martinez for the friendlies:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP).
Defenders: Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), João Cancelo (FC Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Antonio Silva (SL Benfica), Tomas Araujo (SL Benfica).
Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca), Mateus Fernandes (West Ham), Joao Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Rodrigo Mora (FC Porto).
Forwards: Ricardo Horta (SC Braga), Pedro Goncalves (Sporting CP), João Felix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceicão (Juventus), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (PSG).