Portugal XI vs North Macedonia: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for World Cup play-off

Portugal have veteran defender Pepe back among their ranks for Tuesday’s crunch World Cup play-off against North Macedonia in Porto.

The centre-back, 39, missed the semi-final victory over Turkey due to Covid-19 but was able to return to training on Sunday after overcoming the virus.

The North Macedonians stunned Italy in their semi-final, knocking out the European champions in Sicily courtesy of a late Aleksandar Trajkovski goal.

Therefore, Fernando Santos cannot be complacent when setting up his star-studded Portugal team.

Pepe could come in for either Jose Fonte or Danilo Pereira at the back, while Matheus Nunes is pushing to start in midfield after bagging his first international goal off the bench against Turkey.

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the line with the support of Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes.

Manchester City pair Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias, plus Renato Sanches, miss out through injury.

Predicted Portugal XI: Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro; Danilo, Fernandes, Silva; Otavio, Ronaldo, Jota.

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