Deco and Maniche have been released from the Portuguese squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Sweden and Albania.

Chelsea star Deco has been nursing a thigh injury and Maniche, of Atletico Madrid, a back problem.

They were released late on Tuesday after the national team's doctor decided neither had any chance of featuring in either game.

The squad to face Sweden on Saturday and Albania on Wednesday is already without Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho and Atletico winger Simao Sabrosa.