Fernando Santos has named his Portugal World Cup squad, with three Wolves players making it in – but there’s no place for Joao Moutinho, Nelson Semedo or Goncalo Guedes.
It has been a busy day for squad announcements today, with many nations declaring their 26-man squads for the tournament in Qatar.
Portugal’s has come through this evening from Santos and Wolves have a few representatives.
Jose Sa, Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes will all be on the plane.
But sadly, veteran Moutinho has missed out on being selected.
The 36-year-old has 146 caps for his country, but Santos has decided to overlook the experienced maestro.
The writing was perhaps on the wall when Santos did not select Moutinho for his squad during the September international break for games against Czech Republic and Spain.
Also missing out is Semedo, who has had a really poor season so far with Wolves and perhaps can’t have too many complaints.
Like Moutinho he was also not called up for those September games.
And Guedes, one of Wolves’ big-money (£27.5 million) summer signings, has also been overlooked by Santos. He has endured a really disappointing start to life at Wolves, and his goal last weekend against Brighton was not enough to save him.
Daniel Podence has too been overlooked, although he was never really all that likely to make it in. His one and only cap to date came back in October 2020 in a 3-0 Nations League win over Sweden.
And Pedro Neto, of course, is injured and unavailable for selection.
There are places for former Molineux stopper Rui Patricio, and former loanee Vitinha.
Delight for Wolves stars Sa, Neves and Nunes, despair for Moutinho, Semedo and Guedes
It’s brilliant that Sa, Neves and Nunes have all been called up by Portugal.
But it’s a real shame about the others.
Semedo and Guedes have both been way below par this season though, and it’s difficult to see how they would have made it in over some of the other players like Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Ricardo Horta, Joao Felix and Rafael Leao.
Moutinho might have been a difficult one for Santos.
He may not have called him up last time around.
But he’s obviously hugely experienced and could have been great in terms of bringing leadership.
Hopefully, the three that missed out can channel their disappointment and all shine for Wolves going forwards.