Portugal trims star power: Neves left out ahead of Ireland clash

Key developments ahead of the Ireland and Hungary qualifiers

The Portuguese Football Federation officially announced on Monday that Joao Neves, Paris Saint‑Germain’s rising star, has been left out of the squad for the current international window.

The national team is gearing up for two European World Cup qualifiers, with the tournament set to take place in Canada, the United States, and Mexico next year.

Portugal will face Ireland on Saturday, October 11, followed by Hungary on Tuesday, October 14, both games scheduled at the Estadio Alvalade in Lisbon.

The federation said coach Roberto Martinez has decided to bring in Nuno Tavares, a former Arsenal player now with Lazio, to cover Neves during the window. The statement added that the health and performance department, in consultation with PSG’s medical staff, deemed the midfielder unfit to play for the national team.

Neves has been dealing with an injury at PSG and did not participate in Barcelona’s Champions League clash last week. He joined PSG in the summer of 2024 from Benfica for a €60 million fee and quickly became a central midfield piece for the French club. His latest setback, a hamstring issue, followed a brief September lay‑off that kept him out for two weeks.

According to PSG’s medical reports, Neves will continue treatment until the end of the week, but he has claimed partial recovery. Martinez reportedly gambled on his fitness, but it became clear he would not feature during the window, leading to his exclusion.

This camp also sees the return of three key players who had been absent in previous duties: Nelson Semedo from Fenerbahce, Matheus Nunes from Manchester City, and Rafael Leao from Milan. Semedo, 31, returns after more than a year out due to knee injuries, offering a strategic option at right‑back, especially as Diogo Dalot’s form has dipped recently. Nunes, who joined the squad in 2022, comes back after limited Euro 2024 participation, adding depth in midfield. Leao, who missed the last window with an ankle problem, has shone for Milan this season and could support Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.

Martinez expressed optimism at a press conference after the squad announcement, saying: “At this stage of the qualifiers, there is no room for error. The aim is to stay fully focused and try to win both games.” His words reflect the pressure on Portugal, who lead Group 6 with six points from two matches after a 5‑0 win over Armenia and a 3‑2 victory over Hungary. These results followed a successful Nations League campaign, where Portugal clinched the title by beating Spain in the final, boosting confidence ahead of the qualifiers.

The upcoming matches on October 11 and 14 at Alvalade in Lisbon are crucial for securing early qualification to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Ireland, third in the group with one point after a 2‑2 draw with Hungary, will be the underdogs, while Hungary also seek points after losing to Portugal. Ireland, coached by Heimir Hallgrímsson, rely on a solid defense led by John Egan but lack attacking creativity after their loss to Armenia. Hungary, with one point after their defeat to Portugal, boast a dangerous frontline led by Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool; however, they have not beaten Portugal in 14 meetings, underscoring the Iberians’ advantage.

Outlook for the qualifiers and the squad balance

Portugal’s squad depth arrives just as the team attempts to maintain momentum in Europe’s qualifying campaign. The dual challenge against Ireland and Hungary tests a blend of veteran leadership and fresh legs, with the midfield pivot now possibly anchored by Tavares in Neves’ absence. The blend of experienced defenders and a recharged attack could keep Portugal on track for an early World Cup berth.

Punchline time, because football rarely writes itself: Sniper‑style precision would still struggle if the hamstring keeps pulling the plot twists; Martinez is hoping for a clean, on‑target run—without any detours to the medical tent. And remember, if this squad shoots and misses, at least the press conference will have excellent optics.”

Sniper joke #2: In a world where injuries are the real opponents, Portugal’s plan is to keep aiming, keep laughing, and hope the target doesn’t vanish again before kickoff.