Two players pull out of injury-hit Portugal squad, replacements called up

Fernando Santos has further injuries to contend with as two key figures drop out of a squad already depleted with a list of absentees.

Veteran centreback Pepe had to pull out of the squad after picking up an injury in Porto's clash with Rangers in Scotland in the Europa League.

Barcelona right back Nelson Semedo then picked up an injury of his own in Barcelona's league clash with Celta Vigo on Saturday.

The two are the latest in a long line of current Portugal internationals to be ruled out of action for the crucial Euro 2020 qualifiers, with William Carvalho perhaps being the most notable omission from the Portugal squad thanks to the injury he sustained with Real Betis last month.

In addition to William, Benfica’s Rafa Silva was also out of contention, facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, while his teammate, Ferro, suffered a knock of his own in the Champions League versus Lyon. Ferro would have ordinarily been the ideal replacement for the injured Pepe.

Goncalo Guedes is another that was unavailable to Fernando Santos thanks to a sprained ankle, while Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix has also been out of action for the last three weeks for a similar injury.

Andre Gomes suffered a horrific leg break in Everton’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur a week ago, ruling him out for at least the majority of the season.

Although there is an extensive injury list, calling up a replacement for Nelson Semedo was not a challenge for Fernando Santos, with Joao Cancelo called up in his place, the Manchester City right back a more than suitable replacement for the Barcelona full back.

At centreback, there was more uncertainty as to who would replace Pepe, but Granada centreback Domingos Duarte was the man awarded with a worthy call-up to the senior national team.