Why Tottenham’s £85m Mateus Fernandes is not even in the senior Portugal squad

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mateus Fernandes was left out of Portugal's senior Nations League squad despite his £85m summer transfer from West Ham. New Portugal manager Jorge Jesus opted not to select the 22-year-old for the senior team, instead placing him with the nation's Under-21 squad.

Fernandes has faced scrutiny during his early tenure under Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi, who has deployed him as a number 10 rather than in central midfield. Portugal Under-21 manager Luís Freire confirmed Fernandes remains part of the senior team's long-term plans as coaching staff monitor his progress.