Portugal replaces Lopes with Sa ahead of Turkey qualifier
LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Portugal has called up Wolverhampton goalkeeper Jose Sa to replace Anthony Lopes for the World Cup qualifier against Turkey on Thursday.
The Portuguese soccer federation said Lopes has been ruled out because of an undisclosed injury.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos also had to replace Pepe with Tiago Djalo on Monday after the veteran defender tested positive for COVID-19.
Portugal hosts Turkey in Porto. The will play either Italy or North Macedonia in the final round of the qualifying playoffs if it advances.
It wasn't yet clear if the 39-year-old Pepe would be able to play the second qualifier next week if Portugal advanced.
Santos also won't be able to count on the injured Reben Dias, the team's other regular starting central defender.
Midfielder Ruben Neves is also unavailable because of an injury.
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
HEADLINES
- Marchand day-to-day, Montgomery unhappy with Bennett's hit
- Marlins' Schumaker backs Rogers' dugout outburst: People are sick of losing
- Verlander says fate will decide Tigers reunion: 'I think about it'
- Edwards takes blame for Game 3 loss: 'That's on me'
- Starting Lineup: Interference surge and 8 more MLB items