Goncalo Ramos Portugal absence explained: Manager has vision for Man Utd linked striker

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Goncalo Ramos is not involved in the current Portugal squad, with the country set to play again tonight away at Iceland.

A spectacular hat-trick for Goncalo Ramos at World Cup 2022 against Switzerland felt like a ‘changing of the guard moment’.

But the new era is on hold for now, with Goncalo Ramos not involved for Portugal during the June international break.

The young striker has been linked to Manchester United in recent days, with The Sun claiming agent Jorge Mendes is looking to get his client a big move to the Premier League.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24

Goncalo Ramos Portugal absence

Goncalo Ramos is not part of the current Portugal squad after suffering a minor injury.

The Benfica striker was called up and did initially report for training, before being discharged with a thigh problem.

A statement on the Portuguese FA’s website read: “Gonçalo Ramos was dismissed from the work of the National Team, following a muscle injury detected in his right thigh.”

Portugal reverted to Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line against Bosnia and Herzegovina, although he did not add to his world record number of international goals. Bruno Fernandes stole the show with a brace.

Manager Roberto Martinez reflected that a rest will actually be more beneficial for Goncalo Ramos.

He was quoted by O Jogo: “He is a very important player and different from others. He had a successful season, but a very demanding one.

“Now he needs to rest to start next season. He is Portugal’s present, not the future.”

Ramos played 47 club games in all competitions last season, netting an impressive 27 goals in total.

He struck a further four for Portugal, taking his tally for club and country to 31.

Martinez knows Ramos will be a big player for the future, and there is no need to push him now. Better to let him rest.

This may work out in Manchester United’s favour too. Another hat-trick would only serve to further inflate his price tag.