List restricted to home-based players
Fernando Santos has announced eleven additional names to Portugal's squad for the friendly match against Cape Verde on 31 March in Estoril.
The list will take people by surprise as it includes only three players who have previously been called up to the senior squad: Adrien, André Almeida and Pizzi.
Squad additions for Cape Verde match:
Goalkeeper: Marafona (Moreirense)
Defenders: André Almeida (Benfica), André Pinto (Braga), Tiago Pinto (Rio Ave)
Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Sporting), André André (V. Guimarães), Danilo Pereira (Maritimo), Pizzi (Benfica)
Forwards: Lucas João (Nacional), Rui Fonte (Belenenses), Ukra (Rio Ave)
The inclusions of goalkeeper Marafona and striker Lucas João are perhaps the most surprising, though no less deserved for that.
In the case of the Nacional centre-forward Lucas João, who has impressed for the Madeira club in recent months, a good showing could see him fast-tracked into the senior Seleção set-up given the dearth of striker options.
Midfielders Adrien, André André, Danilo and Pizzi are rewarded for their excellent seasons at their respective clubs, once again demonstrating the huge array of options Santos has in midfield.
Rio Ave left-back Tiago Pinto, the son of ex Boavista, Benfica, Sporting and Portugal forward João Pinto, gets his first call-up, as does former Porto forward Ukra and Belenenses striker Rui Fonte. All three have been touted as potential Portugal players since early in their careers.
"We opted for Portugal-based players but it's important to stress players from other leagues could perfectly be in this group. We may also draft in players from the U21 squad for the Cape Verde game," explained Santos.
FIFA rules state that players cannot play in two matches separated by just one day, so the starting line-up and substitutes used in the Portugal-Serbia match will take no part in the Cape Verde game.
The gate receipts from the match (a sell-out) will go to a fund for the victims of the Ilha do Fogo volcano eruption in Cape Verde.
by Tom Kundert
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