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Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has dropped out of Portugal’s squad ahead of the international break for ‘personal reasons’.
The full back was called up by boss Roberto Martinez ahead of his side’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Poland.
Dalot was widely expected to start both matches off the back of a strong start to the season at club level, having played 16 times in all competitions to date.
The 24-year-old is expecting his first child with his fiancee, Claudia Lopes, though this has not been officially confirmed as the reason behind his absence.
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has dropped out of Portugal’s latest squad
Dalot’s fiancee, Claudia Lopes (pictured), is heavily pregnant with the couple’s first child
Dalot revealed he and his partner were expecting in an emotional social media post in July
A Portugal statement read: ‘Joao Mario will make his debut in a national team call-up after being called up this afternoon to replace Diogo Dalot.
‘The Manchester United defender was released from the national team’s work for personal reasons and after communication with national coach Roberto Martinez.
‘Joao Mario, FC Porto player, has 42 caps including 15 at U-21 level.’
Dalot, formerly of Porto in his homeland, has 16 international caps to his name, with 12 arriving in the past two years. He started his nation’s last five fixtures.
The couple announced they were expecting in a social media post in July.
Sharing the emotional news on X, Dalot said: ‘The best gift we could ever wish for.
‘We can’t wait to meet you.’
Dalot and Lopes have dated since 2020 and the footballer’s fiancee even joined him in Italy when he spent a year on loan with AC Milan during the 2020-21 season.
Their engagement was announced in style back in March, with Dalot proposing to his partner in a room filled with roses and a luminous sign reading ‘Marry Me?’
Dalot posted the news on Instagram with the caption: ‘YES to the rest of our lives.’
The full back has been ever present for United this season, playing 16 times in all competitions
