Portugal v Norway: Cristiano Ronaldo absence adds intrigue to Nations League clash

Portugal host Norway at Estadio do Dragao on the fourth matchday of the Ligue des Nations, with both sides involved in an important Group D fixture in the race for qualification.

Francisco Conceicao will not feature for Portugal after missing the Selecao’s most recent match against Denmark. He remains in recovery and has officially been ruled out.

The major talking point for the hosts, however, is the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. The forward left the Portugal camp after tensions developed with the coaching staff.

Portugal are expected to line up with Diogo Costa in goal, behind a defence of Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga and Nuno Mendes.

Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves are likely to form the midfield, while Pedro Neto, Goncalo Ramos and Joao Felix are expected to lead the attack.

Portugal probable XI

Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa

Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes

Midfielders: Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves

Forwards: Pedro Neto, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix

Norway will also be missing a defender for the match in Porto. Torbjørn Lysaker Heggem is suspended after being sent off during the previous round of fixtures against Wales.

His absence leaves Norway expected to use Ørjan Nyland in goal, with Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Leo Østigard and David Møller Wolfe in defence.

Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge and Patrick Berg are set to feature in midfield. The attacking trio is expected to consist of Andreas Schjelderup, Erling Haaland and Antonio Nusa.

Norway probable XI

Goalkeeper: Ørjan Nyland

Defenders: Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Leo Østigard, David Møller Wolfe

Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg

Forwards: Andreas Schjelderup, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa

Portugal will soon play Norway in their fourth match of the Ligue des Nations. It is already a significant fixture for both teams as they continue their push for qualification from Group D.