Ronaldo and Nani released from Portugal squad

Manchester United duo miss friendly against Greece

Portugal squad doctor Henrique Jones has announced that wingers Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani have been released from the squad as they are both nursing knocks picked up in Manchester United’s victory over Liverpool yesterday.

On a more positive note centre-back Ricardo Carvalho and goalkeeper Ricardo, both of whom also suffered minor injuries on the weekend, have recovered and will take to the pitch for the international friendly match between Portugal and Greece on Wednesday.

The decision to release the Manchester United pair will no doubt please Alex Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz, who have complained about Portugal overusing Ronaldo in the past, especially in friendly matches.

Scolari will not be overly concerned as he has stated that he intends to use the match to give a run-out to lesser used players as he attempts to finalise the 23-man squad that will travel to Austria and Switzerland for the European Championships this summer.

No replacements have been called up, with Ricardo Quaresma and Simao Sabrosa ready to step up and stake their claim for a starting berth.


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