Luis Suarez has been dropped as Uruguay take on Portugal in the World Cup today.
Head coach Fernando Santos described Pepe as a “monster” ahead of the Group H clash and the former Real Madrid centre-back is set for an intriguing head-to-head battle with Uruguay’s star-studded forward line.
Portugal are expected to be without Danilo Pereira for the rest of the World Cup after the Paris Saint-Germain defender fractured his ribs in training this week.
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That has opened the door for Pepe, who at 39 years and 275 days will become the oldest player to play in a World Cup game for Portugal.
“He is a monster,” said Santos. “He’s going to play.”
Cristiano Ronaldo will captain Portugal amid reports he has been offered a three-year contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr worth more than £180million which would see him become the highest-paid player in football history.
Uruguay are again set to be without Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo, who underwent thigh surgery in September.
Starting Portugal XI: Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes; Neves, Carvalho; Silva, Fernandes, Félix; Ronaldo.
Starting Uruguay XI: Rochet; Gimenez, Godin, Coates; Varela, Valverde, Bentancur, Vecino, Olivera; Cavani, Nunez
