Martinez denies Neves injury has caused rift
Roberto Martinez has denied suggestions that Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain are in conflict over the injury that caused Joao Neves to withdraw from the Portugal squad this week.
Neves played a key role in PSG's run to a first UEFA Champions League title last season, but he has missed its past four matches with an injury to his left thigh.
The midfielder's most recent appearance came in PSG's UEFA Champions League opener on 18 September (AEST), when it thrashed Atalanta 4-0, but Martinez still included him in his Selecao squad for upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Republic of Ireland and Hungary.
However, Neves was forced to withdraw from international duty earlier this week, with Lazio left-back Nuno Tavares called up as his replacement.
But Martinez claimed there is no issue between the Portugal and PSG camps, insisting Neves would not have been called up if his medical team thought he was unable to play.
"Our relationship with PSG is perfect," he said. "Everything that has been said outside is not true. The communication between medical departments and technical teams is good.
"There was a possibility that Joao would play the last [PSG] game. We don't call up players who are not fit. There is no confusion.
"We have the opportunity to show the same level with different players. We have versatility, which is very important in order to create a strong group."
Portugal welcomes Republic of Ireland to Sporting CP's Estadio Jose Alvalade on Sunday (AEDT), with the host currently top of Group F with six points from two games.
Ireland is bottom with one point after a 2-1 loss in Armenia last time out, with Wednesday's (AEDT) opponent Hungary also managing just a single point from its opening two matches.
But Martinez is taking nothing for granted, saying: "The most important thing is to perform as well as possible against Ireland and try to go step by step.
"This qualifying cycle is weird, there is no margin for error, but our preparations were very good and we still have one more training session.
"Our focus is on Ireland, and we cannot underestimate our opponents. Ireland had a tough game in Armenia, which was a long trip after their first game, and we expect a reaction. We only think about this game, anything else can be dangerous."
