Roberto Martínez explains omission of Benfica star, says António Silva part of group | OneFootball

Roberto Martínez has justified leaving Benfica defender António Silva out of Portugal's World Cup squad, stressing he remains part of the group and would be first in line at centre-back if injury strikes.

According to Glorioso 1904, the national coach named 27 players on Tuesday, 19 May, for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Tomás Araújo made the cut, while Silva's absence prompted questions that Martínez addressed.

He said Portugal had worked with five centre-backs and, based on March decisions and the expected opponents, the call went to Araújo. He reiterated that Silva remains in the wider group and could be added if required.

Detailing his attacking choices, Martínez said Gonçalo Guedes offers the most flexibility, operating wide or inside and opening space on the counter. He added that Paulinho can mirror the profiles of Cristiano and Gonçalo Ramos, with the squad needing three forwards, two more positional and one more variable.

For Benfica in 2025/26, Silva, valued at 28 million euros, played 41 times, 25 in the Liga Portugal Betclic, 10 in the Champions League, four in the Taça de Portugal, one in the Taça da Liga and one in the Supertaça. Across 3,118 minutes he scored once and provided one assist.

Source: Glorioso 1904