João Neves drops out of Portugal squad, Nuno Tavares called up | OneFootball

A thigh injury in his left leg which has ruled Paris Saint-Germain midfielder João Neves out of his club’s recent games has also forced the former Benfica man to drop out of Portugal’s squad for next week’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Portuguese Football Federation announced on their official site on Monday that: “The FPF Health and Performance Department, in articulation with PSG’s medical department, have concluded that João Neves is not fit to take part in Portugal’s games.”

Lazio right-back Nuno Tavares has been called up as replacement. Curiously, Tavares was also called up as a late replacement for Portugal’s previous matches in September, at the time in place of the injured Diogo Dalot.

The Seleção play the Republic of Ireland on Saturday 11 October at the José Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, and Hungary three days later at the same venue. Two victories will book Portugal’s place at the 2026 World Cup.