Portugal's record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo will expect to return to the first XI for Sunday's UEFA Nations League clash with Switzerland in League A Group 2.

The 37-year-old was only given a brief cameo off the bench in Thursday's 1-1 draw with Spain, and Fernando Santos defended his decision to start Andre Silva instead.

The Selecao did not pick up any new injuries in midweek, but Vitinha tested positive for COVID-19 before the game, while Domingos Duarte and Diogo Jota were both left out of the matchday squad.

Diogo Costa has seemingly displaced Rui Patricio in between the sticks for Portugal, who should keep Joao Cancelo and Raphael Guerreiro in their full-back roles.

David Carmo is an option if Pepe's veteran legs struggle to cope with the quick turnaround, but the 39-year-old is still the favourite to hold his place alongside Danilo Pereira.

Ruben Neves replaced Joao Moutinho at half time on Thursday night, and that change between the two Wolverhampton Wanderers lynchpins could now be enacted from the opening whistle.

Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes's spots are likely safe, but Jota's return following his Champions League final exploits could see him join Ronaldo and Rafael Leao in the final third - demoting Otavio down to the bench in the process.

Portugal possible starting lineup: Costa; Cancelo, Pepe, Pereira, Guerreiro; Silva, Neves, Fernandes; Jota, Ronaldo, Leao

Written by
Ben Knapton