Manchester United full-back, Diogo Dalot, has been forced to pull out of Portugal’s squad ahead of their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures, following concerns over muscle discomfort.
The 26-year-old defender, who has been in fine form for his club in the early stages of the season, was expected to play a key role for the Seleção. However, the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday that Dalot will not be available for selection as a precautionary measure, after reporting muscular discomfort during preparations.
In response to his withdrawal, head coach Roberto Martínez has drafted in Marseille defender Nuno Tavares as a replacement. Tavares, a former Arsenal player currently plying his trade in France, will link up with the national team as they continue their qualifying campaign.
While Dalot’s absence may be seen as a blow to the Portuguese squad due to his versatility and experience, the inclusion of Tavares offers another opportunity for fresh talent to impress on the international stage. Portugal are set to face crucial fixtures in the coming days, as they push to secure qualification for the next FIFA World Cup tournament.
The Portuguese camp remains optimistic despite the setback, with the technical team confident that the squad has the depth to maintain their winning momentum.