Veteran defender Pepe has been ruled out of playing for Portugal in the semi-final of the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff against Turkey after testing positive for COVID-19. This was announced by the Portuguese Football Federation, Monday (21/3).
Portugal national team coach Fernando Santos also called Lille defender Tiago Djalo to replace Pepe.
Besides Pepe, Portugal also lost Manchester City defender Ruben Dias who was injured.
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Portugal will face Turkey on Friday (25/3) WIB in Porto. If they win, Portugal will face the winner of the match between Italy and North Macedonia for a ticket to the 202 World Cup.
The Portugal national team players have gathered to undergo a training camp in Oeiras, Monday (21/3).
Portugal last failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1998. (AFP/OL-1)