Defender Pepe tested positive for covid-19 this Monday and was cut from the group that will play in the repechage for the world Cup by Portugal. In his place, the 21-year-old defender of Lille, Tiago Djaló, was called up and made his debut in the main team.
With the drop, Portugal will play the decisive game against Turkey, next Thursday, without its starting defense duo. Rúben Dias is also not fit to play, after suffering a thigh injury in early March.
In this way, coach Fernando Santos will put on the field a completely new duo for the most important duel of the season. The trend is for José Fonte, 38, and Gonçalo Inácio, 20, to start against the Turks.
If they eliminate Turkey on Thursday, the Portuguese team will face Italy or North Macedonia in the European playoffs, on March 29, to decide who will go to the Cup. Both matches will be in Portugal.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
