Goalkeeper Ricardo Velho called up as a precaution for the Portuguese national team due to injury to Diogo Costa

Federação Portuguesa of Futebol announced the call-up of Ricardo Velho for the work of the national team. The 27-year-old goalkeeper plays for Gençlerbirligi, from Turquia, and arrives at Cidade from Futebol, in The measure comes as a precaution, after Diogo Costa presented physical problems that put him in doubt for the friendlies against México and Estados Unidos.

Diogo Costa suffered an adductor injury associated with low back pain last week. The 26-year-old goalkeeper of FC The Porto club officially informed about the player’s condition, which could affect his participation in the training camp.

Caution call reinforces options in goal

Ricardo Velho does not have any caps for the main national team. The goalkeeper had previously been called up by Roberto Martínez, but without making his debut. Sua immediate inclusion allows the selector to have a third experienced member in the group, while awaiting the results of the Diogo Costa exams.

The presence of Velho in the initial training marks the official start of the internship. The team prepares the private teams that serve as direct preparation for the Mundial 2026. The goalkeeper is part of the group that seeks to adapt to the conditions expected in the intercontinental tournament.

Injury to Diogo Costa alters selection planning

FC Porto detailed that the adductor injury prevents Diogo Costa from fully training at the moment. The federation’s medical department carries out a detailed assessment to determine its availability. Caso the holder does not recover in time, the option for Velho guarantees continuity in preparation without interruptions.

Other absences impact the group. Rafael Leão was excluded for physical reasons, with Paulinho, from Toluca, called up in his place. Rodrigo Mora, also from FC Porto, suffered a muscle injury to his left thigh and was released the previous Sunday.

Group changes and confirmed absences

• Rafael Leão out of work due to physical problems.
• Rodrigo Mora dismissed due to injury to his left thigh.
• Paulinho called to reinforce the attack, playing in México.

These changes occur at a crucial moment. The team will face México at the reopening of Estádio Azteca, at Cidade of México, on March 28th, at 7 pm local time. Três days later, they play against Estados Unidos, at Atlanta, at 7:07 pm local time, at Estádio Mercedes-Benz.

Intensive preparation for Mundial 2026

Portugal is part of the Grupo K in the Mundial 2026, alongside Uzbequistão, Colômbia and an opponent defined via intercontinental play-off between República Democrática of Congo, Jamaica and The tournament takes place between June 11th and July 19th at Estados Unidos, Canadá and México. The March friendlies allow for tactical adjustments and adaptation to the environment.

Roberto Martínez leads the preparation process. The internship started at Cidade of Futebol aims to consolidate the group before the final phase. The call-up of Velho represents a cautious measure to preserve defensive solidity in goal.

Details about the goalkeeper called up

Ricardo Velho, 27 years old, defends Gençlerbirligi at Turquia. Sua trajectory includes spells at Portuguese clubs before the international transfer. The current call offers an opportunity to integrate into the main squad in a competition context.

The goalkeeper actively participates in training since his arrival. Sua inclusion maintains balance in the sector, regardless of the evolution of the Diogo Costa framework. The federation monitors the players’ condition daily for final decisions.

Friendlies mark a decisive phase of preparation

Games against México and Estados Unidos take place in iconic stadiums. Estádio Azteca hosts the reopening duel, while Atlanta hosts the subsequent clash. Esses meetings test the team in conditions similar to those of Mundial, with relevant altitude and humidity.

The Portuguese team seeks rhythm and harmony. Ausências due to injury require quick adjustments. The extra call-up of Velho ensures viable options in the goal, prioritizing defensive stability.

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