The injured Portuguese internationals Nuno Mendes (20) and Danilo Pereira (31) have left the team’s World Cup base in Qatar before the quarterfinals against Morocco (Saturday, 4 p.m.). The defenders continue their rehab after their injuries at their club Paris Saint-Germain. It had previously been unlikely that the two would play again at this tournament, but now the association has officially confirmed it.
Pereira broke three ribs in training after playing in central defense at the start of the World Cup and has been out ever since. He was replaced by veteran Pepe (39), who also captained the team in the round of 16 and became the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history with his goal in the 6-1 win against Switzerland. In addition to the seeded Rúben Dias (25), Portugal coach Fernando Santos also has top talent António Silva (19) from Benfica available for the center of defence. The “six”, actually also Pereira’s regular position, William Carvalho (30) and João Palhinha (27) could help out there.
Left-back Mendes arrived at the tournament already ailing. In the second game against Uruguay he injured his left thigh again and had to be substituted before the break. Raphaël Guerreiro (28) from Dortmund played for him most recently. In addition, João Cancelo (28), one of the most valuable full-backs in the world (market value: €70m), can play on both sides.
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