Portugal lost another player for the World Cup play-offs, as Anthony Lopes is injured, so Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio is sure to start against Turkey.
The winners of this match will then go on to face either Italy or North Macedonia in the final for a spot at the 2022 World Cup next Tuesday evening.
It’s not just Italy who are struggling with fitness issues, because Portugal boss Fernando Santos has also been forced to reshuffle his pack.
The latest absentee is Olympique Lyonnais goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, so Jose Sa has been called up from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Roma shot-stopper Rui Patricio is guaranteed to take the gloves.
It is hardly an issue of experience, as Rui Paticio just turned 34 and has 102 senior caps to his name.
Renato Sanches and Ruben Dias were already unable to attend after injuries at club level, while Ruben Neves and veteran defender Pepe tested positive for COVID-19.
Il Portogallo perde un altro pezzo: k.o. il portiere titolare Lopes, tocca a Rui Patricio #Qatar22 https://t.co/NmU1dr6ZjU
— La Gazzetta dello Sport (@Gazzetta_it) March 22, 2022
???
Wasn’t Rui Patricio always going to start for them?
It was never going to be Anthony Lopes.