Roberto Martinez has named his 26-man Portugal squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie against Denmark, with Cristiano Ronaldo set to captain the side. Manchester City defender Ruben Dias returns to the squad after recovering from a muscular injury, while Sporting Lisbon’s teenage striker Geovany Quenda receives his first senior call-up.
Dias, 27, had been sidelined due to an injury sustained in Premier League action. His return provides a significant boost to Portugal’s defensive options.
Quenda’s inclusion, at just 17 years old, highlights Martinez’s willingness to integrate young talent. “At 17, being in the national team shows his potential,” Martinez said, emphasizing that age is “not a problem.” He added, “What matters is quality, commitment and work.”
Martinez described the squad selection process as “meticulous and professional,” acknowledging the difficulty of the choices. “If I could call them all, I would because they deserve it, but it’s not possible,” he added. Notable absentees due to injury include Al-Hilal defender Joao Cancelo and Al-Nassr midfielder Otavio.
The full Portugal squad is as follows:
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Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton)
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Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Nelson Semedo (Wolverhampton), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Nuno Tavares (Lazio), Gonçalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Renato Veiga (Juventus)
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Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Bayern), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Joao Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Joao Felix (AC Milan)
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Forwards: Francisco Trincao (Sporting), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Geovany Quenda (Sporting), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Goncalo Ramos (PSG)
Portugal face Denmark away in Copenhagen on March 20th, followed by the return leg in Lisbon on Sunday, March 24th [Note: Original text said “the following Sunday,” which would be the 24th]. The squad blends experience, with established stars like Ronaldo, Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva, and emerging talents like Quenda, reflecting Martinez’s long-term vision for the national team.
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