This Friday, coach Roberto Martinez will announce Portugal’s squad for the final two Euro 2024 qualifiers. There are some absences on the roster, some expected returns, but no major “experience.”
Even though qualification and first place in Group J are guaranteed, the Spanish coach has already publicly set himself the goal of completing qualification with only victories, which would be unprecedented in the history of the national team, and left it until next year, in preparation for the tournament. European Championship, the opportunity to challenge new faces.
Danilo, having physical problems at Paris Saint-Germain, is a definite victim, as is Raphael Guerreiro, who was called up in October but never joined the training camp and was left recovering at Bayern Munich, a situation that continues.
Ricardo Horta, who was also released last month due to physical problems, appears to have what it takes to make Martinez’s list, where the biggest doubt appears to be the continuity of Joao Neves.
The Benfica midfielder, who made his international debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina (5-0) in Zenica, has been the subject of several compliments from the national coach and all signs point to him continuing to study in the Spanish coach’s schools despite his youth. (19 years old) and the importance he has in the under-21 team fighting to qualify for the 2025 European Championships.
With just one game under Martínez (a 1-0 win over Iceland in June), Pepe could be the big news in the team after he was absent for almost the entire qualifying stage due to physical problems while he had already passed for 40 years.
Matheus Nunez, who is getting more and more minutes at Manchester City, could also be another surprise choice for the 50-year-old manager.
Martinez will announce his selection at 12:30 pm at a press conference at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras.
The Kinas team will face Liechtenstein on November 16 at 19:45 (Lisbon) in Vaduz, and three days later at the same time with Iceland at the José Alvalade Stadium.
Portugal top Group J with 24 points, eight more than second-placed Slovakia, with Luxembourg third with 11. Iceland fourth with 10 points, ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina with nine and Liechtenstein last with no points. .
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.