Defensive swap for Portugal
Costa replaces injured Carvalho for Argentina friendly
By Elliot Ball - follow me on Twitter @ballell. Last Updated: February 7, 2011 10:26pm
Carvalho: Misses Argentina clash with thigh injury
Sky Bet
-
Football Betting
Portugal coach Paulo Bento has called up Ricardo Costa for Wednesday's friendly against Argentina after Ricardo Carvalho was ruled out through injury.
The Valencia defender earned his first call-up since Bento took over from Carlos Queiroz in September.
Costa, who can play both as a central defender and at full-back, benefits from Carvalho's absence after the Real Madrid stalwart picked up a thigh complaint.
"Real Madrid centre back Ricardo Carvalho complained about pain in his left thigh and was released from team preparation for Wednesday's match in Geneva", the FPF said in a statement on their official website.
Twenty-nine-year-old Costa has 10 caps and represented Portugal twice in last summer's World Cup, including the second round defeat against eventual winners Spain in Cape Town where he was sent off.
Ricardo Carvalho
Ricardo Costa
