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Portugal gives Ronaldo a rest, calls up newcomers for games

LISBON, Portugal (AP) - Cristiano Ronaldo is getting a rest from Portugal's national team.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos left Ronaldo off his 23-man squad, instead picking newcomers Lucas Joao and Goncalo Guedes to face Russia on Nov. 14 and Luxembourg three days later.

Left back Ricardo Pereira also got first call-up. All three have come through national junior teams.

Also, forward Nelson Oliveira has returned after being left out since the last World Cup. Central defender Pepe and defensive midfielder William Carvalho are back after injury lay-offs.

Santos said he wants to start trying out a new generation of players after Portugal qualified for the European Championship with seven wins and one defeat.

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Portugal:

Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon), Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Eduardo (Dinamo Zagreb)

Defenders: Cedric (Southampton), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg), Pepe (Real Madrid), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Jose Fonte (Southampton), Neto (Zenit St. Petersburg), Eliseu (Benfica), Raphael Guerreiro (Llorient), Ricardo Pereira (Nice)

Midfielders: William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon), Danilo Pereira (FC Porto), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Joao Mario (Sporting Lisbon), Andre Gomes (Valencia), Andre Andre (FC Porto)

Forwards: Bernardo Silva (Monaco), Nani (Fenerbahce), Lucas Joao (Sheffield Wednesday), Nelson Oliveira (Nottingham Forest), Goncalo Guedes (Benfica)

Real Madrid's Nacho Fernandez, right, celebrates with his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring the opening goal of his team during the Champions League group A soccer match between Real Madrid and PSG at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) The Associated Press
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