Portugal Omits Cristiano Ronaldo, Other Veterans for Friendly vs. USA
LISBON, Portugal (AP) – Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Portugal's squad for friendlies against Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Ronaldo will not play when Portugal hosts Saudi Arabia on Nov. 10 and the United States on Nov. 14.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos also did not include veterans Ricardo Quaresma and Nani in his 24-man list.
''There are absences for different reasons,'' Santos said Friday. ''Some are my option, others are because of injuries. We will take this opportunity to analyze some players during practice and the games. I'm responsible for evaluating these players so I can make the best possible choice for the 23 who will make it to the World Cup.''
Santos said the friendlies will give Portugal a chance to play against two nations with styles that his players ''rarely'' get to face.
European champion Portugal secured a World Cup spot by winning Group B ahead of Switzerland and Hungary.
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GOALKEEPERS: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Goztepe), Jose Sa (Porto)
DEFENDERS: Antunes (Getafe), Edgar Ie (Lille), Kevin Rodrigues (Real Sociedad), Joao Cancelo (Inter Milan), Luis Neto (Fenerbahce), Nelson Semedo (Barcelona), Pepe (Besiktas), Ricardo Ferreira (Braga), Ricardo Pereira (Porto)
MIDFIELDERS: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting Lisbon), Danilo Pereira (Porto), Joao Mario (Inter Milan), Manuel Fernandes (Lokomotiv), Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
FORWARDS: Andre Silva (AC Milan), Bruma (Leipzig), Eder (Lokomotiv), Gelson Martins (Sporting Lisbon), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia), Rony Lopes (Monaco)
