Ruben Dias makes his return to the Portugal national team, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, for the upcoming Nations League play-off matches against Denmark.
The 27-year-old Manchester City defender had been sidelined due to a muscle strain he incurred during a Premier League match.
In an exciting development, Sporting Lisbon’s 17-year-old striker Geovany Quenda has also received his maiden call-up to the squad.
“At just 17, being selected for the national team highlights his immense potential,” said coach Roberto Martinez, underscoring that the young player’s age “is not a barrier.”
“What truly counts is talent, dedication, and effort,” he emphasised at a press conference.
Martinez described the selection process as “careful and professional”.
“If it were possible to include everyone, I would, as they all merit a spot; however, it’s simply not feasible,” he noted, pointing out that Al-Hilal defender Joao Cancelo and Al-Nassr midfielder Otavio are currently injured.
Portugal’s matches against Denmark are scheduled for 20 March in Copenhagen and the following Sunday in Lisbon.
Portugal’s 26-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton/ENG)
Full-backs: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG), Nelson Semedo (Wolverhampton/ENG), Nuno Mendes (PSG/FRA), Nuno Tavares (Lazio/ITA), Gonçalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Renato Veiga (Juventus/ITA)
Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Bayern/GER), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal/KSA), Joao Neves (PSG/FRA), Vitinha (PSG/FRA), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Joao Felix (AC Milan/ITA)
Forwards: Francisco Trincao (Sporting), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus/ITA), Pedro Neto (Chelsea/ENG), Geovany Quenda (Sporting), Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA), Diogo Jota (Liverpool/ENG), Goncalo Ramos (PSG/FRA), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr/KSA)
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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