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Cristiano Ronaldo and three Premier League players have left the Portugal squad ahead of the Croatia clash.
The 2016 Euro Cup winners have confirmed their place at the top of their UEFA Nations League group with the 5-1 victory over Poland on Friday.
Ronaldo scored twice while Bruno Fernandes also got on the score sheet.
Read Also: France Coach Blasts Media’s Probe Of Mbappe’s Omission
Ahead of Monday’s dead-rubber clash, manager Roberto Martinez has released four of his star players, Ronaldo, Pedro Neto, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes.
Martinez has explained that he wants to try out new players and give exposure to youngsters in their upcoming match.
This will come as a huge boost for Premier League giants Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, along with Al-Nassr who will now welcome their star performers back.
In other news, France coach Didier Deschamps has hit out at the media questioning his decision not to call up Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe for his side’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel and Italy, respectively.
Deschamps told the French press to leave Mbappe alone as the fallout over the player’s omission from the France squad continues.
Mbappe did not join the France national team for the Israel clash on Thursday and the Italy tie three days later.
Deschamps had previously claimed that the 25-year-old wanted to be part of the squad, but it was the coach’s decision to leave him out.
The 56-year-old was asked about the situation ahead of Les Bleus’ clash with Israel at the Stade de France.
Deschamps responded (via Madrid Xtra): “Mbappe? There are 23 players. Kylian is not here, leave him alone.”
