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Renato Sanches left out of Portugal's preliminary World Cup squad

Renato Sanches is a sensational absence for Portugal in the 2018 World Cup, failing to find a place even among the Euro 2016 winner's preliminary 35-man squad announced on Monday.

Sanches played six out of seven games as an 18-year-old in France as the side led by Cristiano Ronaldo took their first-ever international title.

But he has failed to shine at either Bayern Munich or Swansea City since then, and will play no part in the finals.

Unsurprisingly Selecao captain Ronaldo is included among the call-ups, while there is also a place for veteran playmaker Ricardo Quaresma.