Bento rings changes in Portugal squad
Feb 28, 2014 11:37:00 PM
The Manchester United winger Nani is out of contention to face Cameroon, while there are two fresh faces added to the squad as Paulo Bento looks at his striking options
Rafa and Ivan Cavaleiro could make their Portugal debuts against Cameroon after being included in Paulo Bento's 23-man squad.
The duo are not the only changes as Bento looks to players who were not involved in the 2014 qualifiers for Wednesday's friendly, as preparations for the World Cup step up a gear.
Rafa has displayed impressive form since joining Braga from Feirense in the close season, scoring three goals in 18 league appearances.
Cavaleiro, meanwhile, has come through the ranks at Benfica and broke into the first team earlier this season.
Edinho is included among Portugal's forwards following his recent loan switch from Braga to Kayseri Erciyesspor in Turkey, and Inter loanee Rolando also returns to the fold after missing out on the qualifying campaign.
A hamstring injury rules out Manchester United's Nani, while Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo will once again lead the side.
Portugal have been drawn in Group G alongside Germany, Ghana and the United States for the World Cup in June and July.
Squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Eduardo (Sporting Braga), Beto (Sevilla), Anthony Lopes (Lyon)
Defenders: Miguel Lopes (Lyon), Joao Pereira (Valencia), Ricardo Costa (Valencia), Pepe (Real Madrid), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid), Rolando (Inter), Luis Neto (Zenit), Antunes (Malaga).
Midfielders: Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev), William Carvalho (Sporting), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), Josue (Porto).
Forwards: Rafa (Braga), Ivan Cavaleiro (Benfica), Edinho (Kayseri Erciyesspor), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Silvestre Varela (Porto).
