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Monaco star Joao Moutinho has made the Portugal squad for September matches despite struggling through injury, it has been revealed.
The Selecao will host France in an international friendly before facing Albania on the road in a Euro 2021 qualifier, and coach Fernando Santos has selected a total of 24 players for the two matches.
The biggest surprise is the inclusion of star midfielder Joao Moutinho (79/2), who is carrying a serious ankle injury.
Dynamo Kiev footballer Miguel Veloso (52/2) returns after a year-long absence, but Fabio Coentrao (50/5), Tiago Mendes (65/3) and Raul Meireles (76/10) have been overlooked.
Real Madrid stopper Pepe (65/3) returns after recovering from injury, while superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (120/55) will lead the side with captain’s armband.
Portugal currently sit two points clear at the top of group I and the win in Albania would all but guarantee them a place at the Euro 2021 finals.
Portugal squad:
Goalkeepers: Beto (Sevilla), Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon);
Defenders: Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Ricardo Carvalho (Monaco), Cedric (Southampton), Eliseu (Benfica), Jose Fonte (Southampton), Raphael Guerreiro (Lorient), Pepe (Real Madrid), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg);
Midfielders: Andre Andre (Porto), Danilo (Porto), Joao Mario (Sporting Lisbon), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Adrien Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Bernardo Silva (Monaco), Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev);
Forwards: Danny (Zenit), Eder (Swansea City), Nani (Fenerbahce), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas), Varela (Parma).
