Rodrigo Mora, Samú Costa and Guedes recalled; Cristiano Ronaldo, Rúben Dias, João Paulinha and Bernardo Silva out injured
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has announced the squad for the two friendlies on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, against Mexico and USA next week.
West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes has been rewarded for his fantastic form at the London club. The Portugal U21 captain has been promoted to the senior squad for the first time.
There are also recalls for Rodrigo Mora, Samú Costa and Gonçalo Guedes.
Given it is the final squad announcement before the 26-man World Cup squad is revealed in May, it is a last chance to impress Martínez at close quarters before the tournament in America, Mexico and Canada kicks off.
Spaces in the squad opened up owing to several injuries. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo, centre-back Rúben Dias and midfielders Bernardo Silva and João Palhinha were all left out due to fitness issues.
Martínez explains Guedes over Paulinho
With the usual starting striker Ronaldo absent, Martínez was asked why he omitted Paulinho despite the centre-forward’s prolific form in Mexico over the past two years.
“We have a lot of respect for Paulinho and have kept track of what he is doing, but he has a similar profile to Gonçalo Ramos and Cristiano,” justified the Spaniard.
“We need to prioritise players that can offer something different and that’s why Gonçalo Guedes and Gonçalo Ramos are the two forwards in this squad.
“Guedes has a multi-faceted profile, which is important for us. He’s scored nine goals this season and is in very good form, and deserves this call-up. We’re very excited about what he can bring to the Seleção in these friendlies.”
“My future non-issue”
Martínez was also asked about whether he will continue as Seleção manager after the World Cup, given the multiple media reports in Portugal stating the contrary. The 52-year-old gave short shrift to the question.
“The focus in on the World Cup. That’s not a topic that is on the table. Right now, it is the World Cup that we are focused on. We’re putting everything into it. The World Cup cannot wait. The situation of the coach can.”
Portugal play Mexico at the Aztec Stadium on 28 March (29 March 2.00 am Portuguese time) before travelling to Atlanta to play USA three days later.
Portugal squad to face Mexico and USA
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting)
Defenders: Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), António Silva (Benfica), Tomás Araújo (Benfica)
Midfielders: Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), Samú Costa (Mallorca), Mateus Fernandes (West Ham), João Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Rodrigo Mora (Porto)
Forwards: Ricardo Horta (Braga), Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting), João Félix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Sporting), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Gonçalo Ramos (PSG)
