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