Lisbon, Nov 11 (IANS) Portugal football team coach Fernando Santos ruled out on Wednesday Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes from the squad in the upcoming friendly matches against Russia and Luxembourg, due to injury.
The Portuguese Federation said in a statement that Rafa Silva of Sporting Braga will replace Gomes, reports Efe.
Gomes, 22, joined the national camp on Monday and informed medical staff that he had a pain in his left leg.
The player trained apart from the rest of his teammates on Tuesday and after analysing the extent of his injury the Portuguese coach allowed Gomes to return to Valencia.
The medical report concluded that the player is unable to participate in the games against Russia on Saturday and Luxembourg on Tuesday.