JWith the 41-year-old striker unavailable to return to represent the ‘quinas’ team, Jesus’ choices for the duels with Denmark, in Braga, on November 14, and Wales, in Cardiff, on the 17th, at the end of group A4, will be announced at a press conference scheduled for 12:00, at Cidade do Futebol, in Oeiras.
Until Thursday, the big question on the national coach’s squad list would be the presence or absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, but the now former captain of Portugal went ahead and announced the end of his international career after 23 years, 234 games and 146 goals.
In this Nations League, in which Portugal holds the title, Ronaldo was a starter in the debut against Wales (1-0), in Alvalade, and an unused substitute in Oslo, Norway (2-1), despite having spent many minutes warming up off the field.
On September 30, 24 hours before the duel with Denmark, which Portugal would win (4-2), Ronaldo left the national team training camp in Copenhagen, clashing with Jorge Jesus, ending up just over a month later confirming his ‘goodbye’ to Portugal.
With the Ronaldo ‘case’ closed, Jesus will now be 100% focused on securing first place in Group A4, after having secured qualification for the quarter-finals at the beginning of October with Norway (2-1), in Porto.
The 72-year-old coach already knows that he will not be able to count on Francisco Conceição, who received a three-game suspension for being sent off against Norway, a punishment that was reinforced by UEFA due to the player’s bad behavior after seeing the red card.
Full-back João Cancelo, suspended for one match due to the accumulation of yellow cards, could be rested by the national coach, while left-footed Nuno Mendes is in doubt due to physical problems, and opens the door to a possible surprise on the flanks.
Matheus Nunes, playing regularly for Manchester City, could return, although he plays on the right, which would require a possible adaptation by Diogo Dalot or Cancelo, or else Jesus could even surprise with a new face.
Gustavo Varela, with 11 goals in games at Monza and one of the best scorers in Italy, could get his first call, even now with the place left by Ronaldo, on a list that could also include Rodrigo Mora, in great form from Roma.
In defense, Gonçalo Inácio, without any minutes in the September training camp, could have his place at risk, with António Silva, an absolute starter at Bournemouth, could be close to returning.
