Ahead of the match against Croatia, Cristiano Ronaldo and three other Premier League players have left the Portugal squad.

With their 5-1 victory over Poland on Friday, the 2016 Euro Cup champions have already solidified their position atop their Nations League group. On Monday, they will play their last group encounter against Croatia. Four of his best players, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, Bernardo Silva, and Ronaldo, have been released by manager Roberto Martinez ahead of the match.

Martinez stated that he wants to try out new players and give young players a chance to play in their next match, which is why he allowed important players to leave the team halfway through the international break. Premier League powerhouses Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United, as well as Al-Nassr, will now be able to welcome their top players back, according to the news. Fernandes will miss the game mostly because of his suspension, which was imposed after he received a yellow card against Poland, while Silva, Neto, and Ronaldo are being rested.

“We made six changes from one game to the next in the first stage,” the former Everton manager told reporters following the match against Poland. Being the first is crucial, and we already are. It’s becoming more and more difficult to make the starting eleven, so we need to be competitive to add to the group. In eighteen months, the World Cup finals will take place.

“We must consider other players because the match against Croatia is crucial. Bruno Fernandes, who is suspended, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto, and Bernardo Silva will all be let go. Quenda and Fábio Silva will be called up for the Under-21 team.”

The 39-year-old, who scored two goals in Friday’s victory, will have a well-earned vacation before playing in the Saudi Pro League on November 22 for Al-Nassr against Al-Qadisiyah.