Despite PSG's careful management, Joao Neves gets called up by Portugal.
Preserved by Luis Enrique, who decided not to call him up for Nice vs. PSG, Joao Neves has been called up by Portugal for their two friendly matches in March in Mexico and the United States.
Subbed out at halftime of Chelsea vs. PSG on Tuesday evening due to discomfort, Joao Neves did not train with the rest of the group on Friday and will not travel to Nice on Saturday, even though he is not injured and was not included in the day's medical update released by the club.
"He is unavailable for tomorrow," Luis Enrique announced early Friday afternoon. "When you don't see a player at training, normally, 89% of the time, he doesn't play. He is not available because he did not train. But there is no injury. It's just about managing these last few months because we have to be careful with his physical condition."
Hurt in the ankle against Monaco on Feb. 25 in the second leg of the Champions League playoffs, Neves had missed the following two Ligue 1 matches against Le Havre and Monaco before returning against Chelsea at Parc des Princes, delivering a massive performance. Starting again at Stamford Bridge, Neves was subbed out at halftime due to discomfort (the location has not yet been disclosed).
Luis Enrique thus decided to take no risks with him for Nice vs. PSG, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez decided to call up Joao Neves anyway for the late March international break. Portugal will face Mexico in Mexico City on Sunday, March 29, and then the United States in Atlanta on Wednesday, April 1.
Portugal's coach called up 27 players for the occasion (only 26 will be able to go to the World Cup), including Joao Neves, who is apparently not injured but also not at 100%. Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and Goncalo Ramos are also part of this expanded Portugal squad for these two friendly matches on the other side of the Atlantic.
"This international break is a little different from the others because these will be friendly matches. I hope my players will play a little less (than usual) to best handle not only the final part of the competition (with PSG), but also the World Cup," Luis Enrique said Friday, as he can only hope that Neves and his other internationals do not return injured or completely burned out from their trip to America.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!