Head coach Fernando Santos described Pepe as a “monster” forward of the Group F conflict and the previous Actual Madrid defender is ready for an intriguing head-to-head battle with Luis Suarez.
Portugal are anticipated to be with out Danilo Pereira for the remainder of the World Cup after the Paris Saint-Germain begin fractured his ribs in coaching this week.
That has opened the door for Pepe, who at 39 years and 275 days previous will develop into the oldest participant to play in a World Cup recreation for Portugal.
“He’s a monster,” stated Santos. “He’s going to play.”
Cristiano Ronaldo will captain Portugal amid experiences he has been supplied a three-year contract with Saudi Arabian membership Al Nassr value greater than £180million which might see him develop into the highest-paid participant in soccer historical past.
Uruguay are once more set to be with out centre-back Ronald Araujo, who underwent thigh surgical procedure in September and isn’t anticipated to be match to face Portugal.
Predicted Portugal XI: Costa, Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Guerreiro; Neves, Carvalho, Bernardo Silva, Fernandes, Felix, Ronaldo.
Predicted Uruguay XI: Rochet, Caceres, Godin, Gimenez, Olivera, Vecino, Bentancur, Valverde, Pellistri, Cavani, Nunez.
