Ruben Dias is back in the Portuguese squad for the Nations League quarter-final against Denmark after recovering from a muscular injury. Teenager Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon receives his first call-up. Coach Roberto Martinez praised Quenda’s selection, emphasizing that age is not a barrier to talent and commitment. The squad selection process was described as careful and professional, despite injuries to Joao Cancelo and Otavio. Portugal will face Denmark on March 20 in Copenhagen and again at home in Lisbon the following Sunday. The 26-man squad includes notable players from top European clubs.
Ruben Dias has made his return to the Portuguese national team, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, for the Nations League quarter-final against Denmark. The 27-year-old defender from Manchester City had been out due to a muscular injury sustained in Premier League play. In addition, Sporting Lisbon’s young striker Geovany Quenda has received his first call-up. Coach Roberto Martinez remarked, “Being part of the national team at 17 reflects his potential,” and emphasized that the player’s age is “not an issue”. “What truly matters is quality, dedication, and effort,” the Spaniard stated at a press conference. Martinez described the selection process for the squad as “meticulous and professional”.
“If it were possible, I would include them all because they deserve it, but that’s not feasible,” he continued, noting the injuries affecting Al-Hilal defender Joao Cancelo and Al-Nassr midfielder Otavio.
Portugal is set to face Denmark on March 20 in Copenhagen, followed by a home match in Lisbon the subsequent Sunday.
Portugal’s 26-man squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton/ENG)
Defenders: 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)
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