Ex-Sporting man who clashed with Amorim replaces João Neves

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced this Monday the call-up of Nuno Tavares, a defender who plays for Lazio and has previously been with Sporting , for the two qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup, against Ireland (October 11) and Hungary (October 14), both scheduled for Estádio José Alvalade at 7:45 PM.

The left-back joins Roberto Martínez's list following the release of João Neves , who was deemed unfit to join the squad due to physical issues. In a statement, the FPF clarified that the decision was made in coordination with PSG's medical department.

“The Health and Performance Directorate of the Portuguese Football Federation, in coordination with the medical department of Paris Saint-Germain , considered that the Portuguese international midfielder is not physically fit to participate in the National Team's matches,” the official note states.

The player has six official matches for Lazio this season and thus returns to wear the national team jersey, strengthening the defensive options of the national team. Portugal is preparing for the two October commitments, in which they can take another step towards qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Nuno Tavares has had a series of unusual incidents throughout his sports career, having entered into successive disagreements with Ruben Amorim during the Champions League group stage - when Marseille and Sporting faced each other in the 2022/23 season. The left-back left Sporting in 2013 to move to Casa Pia, and in the following season, he signed with Benfica.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.