Martínez confirms Nunes to miss Chile match, hopeful for Nigeria friendly

Portugal boss Roberto Martínez says Matheus Nunes is not fit to train and will miss the warm-up against Chile, but hopes the right-back will be available for the Nigeria clash on Portugal Day.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has provided an update on the fitness of key players ahead of his side’s upcoming international fixtures, including their friendly against Nigeria. Speaking at a press conference, Martínez confirmed that Manchester City right-back Matheus Nunes is currently not fit to train and will miss Portugal’s first warm-up match against Chile.

The Seleção das Quinas are scheduled to face the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday, June 10, a fixture that coincides with Portugal Day, a national public holiday commemorating poet Luís de Camões. Martínez stressed that the coaching staff will avoid rushing players back too soon, particularly with multiple games in close succession. “Unfortunately, Matheus Nunes is not yet fit to train, so he is out of the squad for tomorrow. It’s not the time to take risks. We hope Matheus will be fit for the second game against Nigeria,” he said, as quoted by A Bola.