Portugal manager Fernando Santos will be without his first-choice goalkeeper for his side's upcoming World Cup qualification matches, starting with Wednesday's showdown with Azerbaijan in Turin.
Wolverhampton Wanderers shot-stopper Rui Patricio, who sits ninth on Portugal's all-time appearance list, suffered a sickening head injury against Liverpool earlier this month and will not be joining his teammates for their upcoming fixtures.
As a result, Lyon's Anthony Lopes should get the nod in goal - despite shipping four against Paris Saint-Germain at the weekend - while Pepe is another notable absentee after the 38-year-old failed to overcome a leg problem.
Another veteran in Jose Fonte could therefore deputise for his fellow centre-back alongside Ruben Dias, and the latter's Manchester City teammate Joao Cancelo is expected to start at right-back with Nelson Semedo failing to make the cut.
Joao Moutinho is in line to win his 130th cap for the national team if he takes to the pitch against Azerbaijan this week, and the 34-year-old will likely start in a midfield three alongside Danilo Pereira and the effervescent Bruno Fernandes.
Bernardo Silva will be vying for a start alongside his City teammates, but fellow Premier League attacker Diogo Jota could be given the nod on the right-hand side as Joao Felix occupies the left flank.
Andre Silva boasts a remarkable tally of 21 goals from 24 Bundesliga games with Eintracht Frankfurt this term, but Cristiano Ronaldo is set to step out onto his own turf in Turin this week, and the 102-goal forward will be eyeing glory in what may be his final chance on the world stage next year.
Portugal possible starting lineup:
Lopes; Cancelo, Dias, Fonte, Guerreiro; Pereira, Moutinho, Fernandes; Jota, Ronaldo, Felix
Ben Knapton
