LISBON: European champions Portugal will be without Cristiano Ronaldo for their opening World Cup qualifier in Switzerland after he was left out of the squad on Friday.

The 31-year-old is still recovering from the knee injury which forced him to limp out of the Euro 2016 final against France in the first half, coach Fernando Santos said.

Forward Bernardo Silva returned to the squad along with Russian-based defender Luis Neto. Uncapped Porto forward Andre Silva was also called up.

Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sporting), Anthony Lopes (Olympique Lyonnais), Eduardo (Dinamo Zagreb).

Defenders: Joao Cancelo (Valencia), Cedric Soares (Southampton), Pepe (Real Madrid), Bruno Alves (Cagliari), Jose Fonte (Southampton), Luis Neto (Zenit St Petersburg), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund), Eliseu (Benfica).

Midfielders: William Carvalho (Sporting), Danilo (Porto), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Adrien Silva (Sporting), Andre Gomes (Barcelona), Joao Mario (Sporting), Renato Sanches (Bayern Munich.

Forwards: Rafa Silva (Braga), Bernardo Silva (Monaco), Nani (Valencia), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas), Eder (Lille) Andre Silva (Porto).

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2016