Renato Sanches is by far the most noteworthy withdrawal from Portugal’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
When Portugal won the Euros in 2016, Fernando Santos selected 26 players, leaving out the PSG midfielder who was awarded Young Player of the Tournament.
The midfielder received recognition for his efforts while competing for Portugal at the European Championship the previous year.
He was also included in Santos’ preliminary 55-player World Cup roster, although he won’t be traveling with Portugal to Qatar with them.
Unsurprisingly, Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, who will compete in his sixth World Cup this month, is the team’s leader.
Before beginning their World Cup campaign against Ghana on November 24, Portugal will play a pre-tournament friendly against Nigeria on November 17.
On November 28 and December 2, respectively, Santos’ team will compete in the group stage of the competition against Uruguay and South Korea.
World Cup team for Portugal
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Patricio, Jose Sa;
Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Danilo Pereira, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes, Raphael Guerreiro;
Midfielders: William Carvalho, Ruben Neves, Joao Palhinha, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Otavio, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Mario;
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Ricardo Horta, Andre Silva, Goncalo Ramos.