How Portugal could line up against Luxembourg

Portugal manager Fernando Santos will have to cope without the suspended Bruno Fernandes for his side's trip to Luxembourg on Tuesday in World Cup Qualifying Group A.

The Manchester United playmaker was booked for the second time in the tournament against Serbia and will play no part in this game, while Joao Moutinho is also a doubt after missing training and not making the squad for their most recent clash.

Fernandes's absence provides Ruben Neves the opportunity to star in the engine room, and with changes likely, Lille's Renato Sanches could also feature in the midfield three in place of Sergio Oliveira, with Danilo Pereira providing the defensive stability.

Joao Cancelo is due a rest and could therefore drop out for Sporting Lisbon starlet Nuno Mendes, who thought he provided the game-winning assist for Cristiano Ronaldo against Serbia, only for the linesman to adjudge that the ball had not crossed the line in the final minute of injury time.

Cedric Soares should keep his spot on the right after assisting Diogo Jota 's second goal on the night, while an alteration at centre-back could see 37-year-old Jose Fonte drop out for a man 11 years his junior in Domingos Duarte.

Jota is in no danger of losing his place after chalking up a brace of headers at the weekend, while Joao Felix is also in contention to start after coming off the bench for his side's opening two matches.

Ronaldo stripped off the armband and stormed down the tunnel after his last-minute effort was not awarded as a goal - also picking up a booking for remonstrating with the linesman - but Portugal's record scorer will be eyeing a goal-laden performance against Luxembourg, who he has already struck five times against.

Portugal possible starting lineup:

Lopes; Cedric, Duarte, Dias, Mendes; Pereira, Sanches, Neves; Jota, Ronaldo, Felix