31.08.2015 14:32 h

Moutinho out of Portugal squad

Monaco midfielder Joao Moutinho has withdrawn from the Portugal squad for a friendly against France and a Euro 2016 qualifier against Albania next week, the Portuguese Football Federation announced on Monday.

Moutinho was named in the original 24-man squad announced on Friday but was already highly doubtful because of an ankle injury. He will not be replaced in the squad.

Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese squad sees the return of Real Madrid defender Pepe and left back Raphaël Guerreiro, who replaces Fabio Coentrao, who has just signed for Monaco.

In the absence of suspended midfielder Tiago and injured William Carvalho, Portugal have called up Joao Mario and Miguel Veloso.

Portugal host France in a friendly on September 4 in Lisbon and are in Albania on September 7 for their Euro 2016 qualifier.