Portugal’s upcoming friendly against Sweden will see a significant shakeup in the lineup, with head coach Roberto Martinez prioritizing rest for key players.
While Cristiano Ronaldo was initially included in the 32-man squad, he, along with teammates Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, Otavio, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, and Joao Felix, will be watching from the sidelines.
This strategic decision comes at an opportune moment. With the Saudi Pro League currently on hiatus, Martinez has seized the chance to give these players a well-deserved break.
This is particularly important for the 39-year-old Ronaldo, who played a full 90 minutes for his club Al-Nassr just last Saturday.
The extra time off will allow him to recharge and prepare for a potentially demanding summer schedule.
While fans might miss seeing Ronaldo and his fellow stars in action against Sweden, this rotation strategy allows Portugal to experiment with different formations and give fringe players a chance to showcase their talents.
It’s a calculated move by Martinez to ensure his team remains sharp and well-rested for more crucial matches to come.