Due to an injury sustained at Valencia, Joao Pereira has been forced to withdraw from the Portuguese squad ahead of their upcoming friendly against Gabon. Called to replace the right back is Ruben Ferreira, of Maritimo. Ferreira has been in good form for Maritimo, both in the Liga Zon Sagres and the Europa League. The left-back was a regular for the Portuguese Under-21 team last season, and his performances were exceptional. When asked how he felt about his call to the team, Ruben Ferreira replied: “It’s realizing a dream.”