Though they missed out on the World Cup squad, Fabio Vieira and Nuno Tavares are set to be involved with Portugal at u21 level next week.

Marseille's Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares kicks the ball during the UEFA Champions League group D, football match between Olympique Marseille (OM) and Sporting Lisbon at the Stade Velodrome on October 4, 2022. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP) (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)
Marseille’s Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares kicks the ball during the UEFA Champions League group D, football match between Olympique Marseille (OM) and Sporting Lisbon at the Stade Velodrome on October 4, 2022. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Along with Cedric Soares, Fabio Vieira and Nuno Tavares missed out on the final 26-man Portugal squad set to compete in the World Cup later this month.

Yet Vieira and Tavares did receive a call-up from their national side’s u21 team, featuring on the squad list for a couple of friendlies over the next fortnight.

Portugal will face the Czech Republic on November 18th, before taking on Japan on November 22nd, a couple of days before the first team kick off their World Cup campaign against Ghana on November 24th.

Both u21 matches will be held at the Portimao Estadio at 19:15 GMT. These games are just friendlies, as preparation for the u21 European Championship next summer.

Portugal have been drawn in a group with hosts Georgia, as well as Belgium and the Netherlands, with the final tournament taking place in late June.

Arsenal's Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team third goal during the UEFA Europa League Group A football match between Arsenal and Bodoe/Glimt at The Arsenal Stadium in London, on October 6, 2022. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League Group A football match between Arsenal and Bodoe/Glimt at The Arsenal Stadium in London, on October 6, 2022. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

In the meantime, Vieira and Tavares will look to help their u21 teammates to ready themselves for next year’s event.

Both 22 years old (but still eligible for the u21 Euros as they were born after January 1st, 2000) the Arsenal duo are veterans of the Portugal u21 side.

Tavares made his Portugal u21 debut in 2019, and he’s gone on to make eight appearances for the team, most of which were in the qualification stage for this u21 Euros. Meanwhile, Vieira has played for the side 21 times, scoring 13 goals.

Given Arsenal are taking a break for 10 days after their match against Wolves on Saturday, Vieira won’t miss much back with his club. But it remains to be seen whether Mikel Arteta will offer him some time off after his u21 duties are complete.