LISBON: Portugal have called up Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Jose Sa to replace Anthony Lopes for the World Cup qualifier against Turkey on Thursday.

The Portuguese Football Federation said Lopes has been ruled out because of an undisclosed injury.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos also had to replace Pepe with Lille centre-back Tiago Djalo, 21, on Monday after the veteran defender tested positive for Covid-19.

The 39-year-old FC Porto player’s absence means the former European champions will be without their two first-choice centre backs for the clash at Porto, with Manchester City defender Ruben Dias ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

Midfielder Ruben Neves is also unavailable because of an injury.

If they win against Turkey, Portugal will play either Italy or North Macedonia five days later in a game that will determine one of the last three spots left for European teams at Qatar 2022, which kicks off in November.

It wasn’t yet clear if the 39-year-old Pepe would be able to play the second qualifier next week if Portugal advanced.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates joined the national side’s training camp at Oeiras, near Lisbon on Monday.

Portugal last failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1998, playing in each of the last five editions.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2022