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LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Miguel Veloso earned his first call-up in a year as Portugal coach Fernando Santos announced his 24-man squad for an exhibition game against France and a European Championship qualifying match in Albania.
The Dynamo Kiev midfielder was included Friday alongside full-back Raphael Guerreiro, who has yet to make his first full international appearance.
Portugal's midfield will be weakened by the absence of injured regular William Carvalho, and playmaker Joao Moutinho is still in doubt, but central defender Pepe is fit again after missing the last qualifier.
The Portuguese meet France, the Euro 2016 host, on Sept. 4 and play in Albania three days later.
Portugal leads Group I with 12 points, two ahead of Denmark and Albania. Cristiano Ronaldo's team lost 1-0 to Albania at home a year ago.
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Portugal:
Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon), Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Sevilla)
Defenders: Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Cedric Soares (Southampton), Jose Fonte (Southampton), Ricardo Carvalho (Monaco), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg), Eliseu (Benfica), Pepe (Real Madrid), Raphael Guerreiro (Lorient)
Midfielders: Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev), Bernardo Silva (Monaco), Andre Andre (FC Porto), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Adrien Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Danilo Pereira (FC Porto), Joao Mario (Sporting Lisbon)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Danny (Zenit St. Petersburg), Eder (Swansea), Nani (Fenerbahce), Silvestre Varela (FC Porto), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas)
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