Portugal manager Roberto Martínez has insisted that Wednesday's friendly against Nigeria will not determine the Seleção das Quinas' starting lineup for their World Cup opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
With all 26 players now in camp, Portugal have a full squad available for selection against the Super Eagles, including Paris Saint-Germain's UEFA Champions League-winning quartet of Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves and Gonçalo Ramos, who joined the national team ahead of the friendly against Chile.
Matheus Nunes is expected to resume full training on Sunday after missing the match against Chile due to physical problems, while João Félix is also in contention to face the Super Eagles.
Speaking at his post-match press conference after the 2-1 win versus Chile, Martínez stressed that the focus remains on preparing the entire squad for the World Cup rather than building specifically towards the opening match against the Leopards.
Asked whether the starting XI against Nigeria would be selected with the DR Congo game in mind, he was quoted as saying by O Jogo: "No, no. We now have the four PSG players arriving, as well as Matheus Nunes, and we expect to have all 26 or 27 players ready for the second game. We continue with individual preparation.
"Francisco Trincão didn't play because the red card changes depending on how we finished the game, but the idea is to prepare all the players to be ready for the World Cup and not just for the first game."
Portugal will take on the Democratic Republic of Congo at the NRG Stadium, Houston on Wednesday, June 17.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit: fpf.pt
Discussions (0)