Fernando Santos calls up replacement for Portugal in place of injured Pepe
Veteran centreback Pepe picked up an injury while representing Porto against Guimaraes, meaning a replacement was called up to take his place in the Portugal squad.
Pepe, 36, has represented Portugal 106 times, and was anticipated to be a starter for Portugal, who are set to take on both Serbia and Lithuania in the latest bout of Euro 2020 qualifiers.
However, his injury has opened up a spot for another potential debutant, with Benfica centreback Ferro earning a deserved first ever call up to the senior national team.
The 22-year old, who serves as Ruben Dias’ centreback partner for Benfica, is perhaps unlikely to represent Portugal in either outing, with Jose Fonte, Ruben Dias and Daniel Carrico selected before him, but his presence in the senior squad will give him invaluable experience.
Nevertheless, he is one of four potential debutants in the squad, in addition to Olympiakos duo Jose Sa and Daniel Podence, and Wolves’ Diogo Jota.
Ferro has played all four of Benfica’s league matches this season, having represented the club 13 times last season, missing just one of the Lisbon club’s last 14 league games as a result of a suspension.
