Portugal's Mendes sidelined by injury while Neves makes comeback for World Cup qualifiers

Portugal's Mendes sidelined by injury while Neves makes comeback for World Cup qualifiers
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Nuno Mendes is set to sit out Portugal's last two World Cup qualifying matches, according to national team coach Roberto Martinez, who spoke on Friday. However, his Paris Saint-Germain colleague Joao Neves should be available again.

"No one can truly step into Nuno Mendes' shoes. He is likely the top performer globally at the moment," the Spanish manager stated during a media briefing.

The left-back has been dealing with a twisted left knee injury, which Paris Saint-Germain announced on Wednesday will keep him sidelined for several weeks.

Martinez has included Carlos Forbs in the squad for the debut call-up, following the Club Brugge forward's impressive display against Barcelona in the Champions League, where he netted two goals and assisted one in the thrilling 3-3 tie earlier this week.

Joao Neves has recovered from his own issue and is returning, as captain Cristiano Ronaldo aims to build on his leading tally of five goals in the qualification effort.

Martinez praised Ronaldo as "a role model for everyone in the team, with over 200 international appearances."

The Portuguese side faces Ireland away on November 13, followed by a home game versus Armenia on November 16 in Porto.

A win in Dublin would confirm their spot at next year's World Cup in North America for the Group F leaders.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves/ENG), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon)

Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce/TUR), Joao Cancelo (Al Hilal/KSA), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City/ENG), Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Renato Veiga (Villarreal/ESP)

Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Tottenham/ENG), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal/KSA), Joao Neves (PSG/FRA), Vitinha (PSG/FRA), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG)

Forwards: Pedro Goncalves (Sporting Lisbon), Joao Felix (Al Nassr/KSA), Francisco Trincao (Sporting Lisbon), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus/ITA), Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA), Pedro Neto (Chelsea/ENG), Carlos Forbs (Club Brugge/BEL), Goncalo Ramos (PSG/FRA), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr/KSA)