The Portuguese nationwide workforce have right now seen their probabilities of reserving a spot on the Qatar World Cup dealt one thing of a blow.
This comes within the type of a optimistic check for Covid-19 within the nation’s camp.
Fernando Santos’ troops are in fact set to return to motion later this week. In one of the crucial essential stretches within the nation’s latest footballing historical past, A Selecao will first welcome Turkey to The Estadio do Dragao on Thursday evening.
Ought to they finally emerge victorious, a mouthwatering playoff finale showdown with Italy will, in flip, probably be teed up, with Roberto Mancini’s European champions primed to face off with North Macedonia in their very own semi-final tie.
The hopes of Santos and co. of getting the higher of not solely Turkey, however probably Italy, too, although, have this night been significantly dented.
This comes on the again of affirmation that key veteran and defensive chief Pepe has returned a optimistic check for Covid-19. The FC Porto star, consequently, has been compelled right into a interval of self isolation, forward of sitting out Thursday’s motion on the Dragao.
Lille expertise Tiago Djalo, in the meantime, has been known as up in his place.
Seleção: Pepe testa positivo à covid-19, Tiago Djaló chamadohttps://t.co/DC38383ko5 pic.twitter.com/L5DvMlIQrP
— maisfutebol (@maisfutebol) March 21, 2022
Issues mounting
Pepe’s impending absence marks removed from the one personnel concern for under-fire Portugal boss Santos, forward of what may show an era-defining week to return for soccer within the nation.
Additionally set to play no half in A Selecao’s playoff endeavours is sidelined Manchester Metropolis stopper Ruben Dias, that means Jose Fonte may properly be joined by Danilo in one thing of a makeshift central defensive pairing for Portugal in opposition to Turkey.
Additional ahead, in the meantime, Wolves’ Ruben Neves was too compelled to succumb to an damage problem over the past couple of days, with Porto’s Vitinha, in flip, known as up in his place.
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