Lazio Full-Back Earns Late International Call-up as Man United Star Suffers Injury

Originally posted on The Laziali | By Michel Sakr | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 6:42 AM ET

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has decided to call up Nuno Tavares to replace the injured Diogo Dalot.

The Spanish manager had initially left out the former Arsenal and Nottingham Forest man in his original squad for the September international, only selecting three full-backs in Dalot, Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes.

Nevertheless, the Portuguese football federation released a statement on its website, revealing that Tavares has joined the national team’s camp as a late addition, while Dalot had to leave after picking up a knock.

Full-back Nuno Tavares was called up to the National Senior squad this Thursday to replace Diogo Dalot. The international, who plays for Manchester United, complained of muscle discomfort and was released by the Health and Performance Unit.

Nuno Tavares, 25, a Lazio player, joins the national team in Yerevan, traveling this Thursday from Rome to the capital of Armenia.

The UEFA Nations League title holders are currently in Yerevan, preparing for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Armenia. They will then take on Hungary in Budapest on Tuesday.

The international break began with seven Lazio players leaving Formello to join their respective national team camps, but the number decreased to six following Adam Marusic’s return amidst concerns over his condition. Nevertheless, with Tavares joining Portugal, the total has risen to seven once again.

The Biancocelesti stars who will be active during the current international break are Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Nigeria), Boulaye Dia (Senegal), Christos Mandas (Greece), Elseid Hysaj (Albania), in addition to Tavares and Italy duo Mattia Zaccagni and Nicolo Rovella.

This article first appeared on The Laziali and was syndicated with permission.

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