Pepe should be on the field when Portugal take on France for the European championship. The defender, who trained by himself on Thursday and Friday, rejoined his team in full training on Saturday and multiple reports in Portugal say that he has been cleared for the final.
Pepe missed the semifinal because of a thigh injury he suffered in Portugal's quarterfinal win over Poland. The team had not gone public with many updates on his status for the final, often choosing to say nothing at all, but it looks like he will be on the pitch.
Getting Pepe back will be huge for Portugal. The defender was arguably their best player through the first five matches of the tournament. His play in the center of defense was superb, cutting out attacks, dominating on balls in the air, coming forward to break up play at times and even helping keep the ball with his passing.
France are clear favorites for the final and Portugal will need to be at their best to take down the hosts, especially in defense, where they will be tested by a dangerous attack that brings runners from everywhere to go along with the physically imposing Olivier Giroud. Pepe will be a big boost in their bid to hold off Les Bleus.
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