Portugal gives Ronaldo a rest, calls up newcomers for matches

By foxsports
Published

LISBON, Portugal --

Cristiano Ronaldo is getting a rest from Portugal's national team.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos left Ronaldo off his 23-man squad, instead picking newcomers Lucas Joao and Goncalo Guedes to face Russia on Nov. 14 and Luxembourg three days later.

Left-back Ricardo Pereira also got his first call-up. All three have come through national junior teams.

Also, forward Nelson Oliveira has returned after being left out since the last World Cup. Central defender Pepe and defensive midfielder William Carvalho are back after injury lay-offs.

Santos said he wants to start trying out a new generation of players after Portugal qualified for the European Championship with seven wins and one defeat.

Portugal squad:

Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon), Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Eduardo (Dinamo Zagreb)

Defenders: Cedric (Southampton), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg), Pepe (Real Madrid), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Jose Fonte (Southampton), Neto (Zenit St. Petersburg), Eliseu (Benfica), Raphael Guerreiro (Llorient), Ricardo Pereira (Nice)

Midfielders: William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon), Danilo Pereira (FC Porto), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Joao Mario (Sporting Lisbon), Andre Gomes (Valencia), Andre Andre (FC Porto)

Forwards: Bernardo Silva (Monaco), Nani (Fenerbahce), Lucas Joao (Sheffield Wednesday), Nelson Oliveira (Nottingham Forest), Goncalo Guedes (Benfica)