Portuguese daily newspaper A Bola understands that Portugal boss Paulo Bento has no less than three players doubtful for the first leg of the 2014 World Cup qualifying play-off against Sweden.

The Seleccao were pitted against the Nordic side after finishing second in their group behind Russia, and they now face two very important matches against Sweden.

Paulo Bento named his 24-man squad on Friday, but there are still some doubts over the fitness of some of the players in the squad.

Fabio Coentrao is a major doubt after missing the last two matches for Real Madrid with an ankle problem, and his condition will be assessed later today.

Meanwhile, Joao Pereira and Raul Meireles are both carrying knocks and it remains to be seen whether they will be ready for Friday’s match.

In spite of the selection problems, Portugal remain 1.73 (8/11) favourites to win the first leg at Estadio da Luz, whereas they are 1.55 (5/9) to qualify for the World Cup.

Portugal squad

Goalkeepers: Beto (Sevilla), Rui Patricio (Sporting), Eduardo (Braga).

Defenders: Joao Pereira (Valencia), Ricardo Costa (Valencia), Andre Almeida (Benfica), Antunes (Malaga), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid), Pepe (Real Madrid), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Luis Neto (Zenit St Petersburg).

Midfielders: Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev), William Carvalho (Sporting), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Ruben Micael (Braga), Josue (Porto).

Forwards: Nani (Manchester United), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Helder Postiga (Valencia), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Eder (Braga), Varela (FC Porto), Bruma (Galatasaray).