The Chelsea winger featured for the first hour of his country’s qualifying fixture at home against Hungary in Lisbon, before being replaced by former Blue Joao Felix on the left wing. They went into the game knowing a victory would make their place at the World Cup official, regardless of results elsewhere.

There was an early set-back when the visitors went ahead in the eighth minute, but Portugal fought back to lead by half-time. Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice to become the all-time record scorer in World Cup qualifying fixtures.

However, after Neto’s withdrawal, an injury-time equaliser by Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai denied Portugal the victory and postponed any celebrations until the next international break in November.

They remain five points clear of Hungary at the top of Group F though, meaning a victory in either of the two remaining games against the Republic of Ireland and Armenia next month, or a pair of draws, would be enough to seal Portugal’s qualification.

The other Chelsea player in international action on Tuesday evening was Genesis Antwi, who lined up at right-back for Sweden Under-21s in their European Championship qualifier at home against Poland.

It was a tough game for the 18-year-old though, as they trailed 3-0 by half-time. Antwi was replaced with 10 minutes remaining and Poland scored three more before the end to complete a painful evening for the Swedes. They now sit nine points off the top of their group with four of the 10 games played.

Marc Cucurella was an unused substitute in Spain's 4-0 win over Bulgaria and Marc Guiu also remained on the bench for Spain Under-21s' 2-1 victory over Finland, while Enzo Fernandez sat out Argentina's 6-0 against Puerto Rico.