The Real Madrid winger sat out training earlier this week with a muscle problem, but he is still expected to feature at Windsor Park on Friday as Portugal go in search of a win that would maintain their position at the top of UEFA Qualifying Group F.
However, coach Paulo Bento has been handed a blow ahead of the clash after goalkeeper Beto, attacking midfielder Danny and Hugo Almeida all pulled out of the squad through injury.
Portugal currently hold a two-point lead over Russia in their group but they have played a game more than Fabio Capello’s men, with both countries having enjoyed a 1-0 home win in the corresponding fixtures between the pair.
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, who missed the last qualifier through illness, is vying for a place in defence while manager Michael O’Neill has retained Michael O'Connor and Lee Hodson after they were called in as cover for the Russia clash.
O'Neill’s side have had a mixed qualifying campaign so far, with the win against Russia and an impressive 1-1 draw in Portugal being tempered by home draws with both Luxembourg and Azerbaijan.
