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Pepe returns to full training ahead of Euro final

Reuters

Portugal is expected to have its top defender in the fold for the Euro 2016 final against France as Pepe returned to full training following his battle with a nagging thigh injury.

It marks the first time Pepe has joined his teammates during preparations for the final after being forced to train alone on Thursday and Friday.

Portugal also had to cope without the Real Madrid defender during its 2-0 victory over Wales in the semi-finals because of the injury he picked up in the days before the penultimate match.

Although manager Fernando Santos has yet to reveal weather Pepe will start, his return to the pitch suggests he's in contention to be selected if he's able to avoid suffering a set-back before kickoff at the Stade de France.

The 33-year-old has played an instrumental role in the heart of Portugal's defence to help put the nation in a position to reach its second ever tournament final.

William Carvalho is also a candidate to be selected in the starting XI following his one-match suspension during the semi-final, as the Sporting Lisbon midfielder figures to start ahead of Danilo Pereira, who replaced him in the win over Wales.

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