MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid defender Pepe has been cleared to play for Portugal at the World Cup.
The center back, whose full name is Kleper Laveran Lima Ferreira, was cleared by Madrid medical staff following a lengthy recovery from knee surgery. Pepe hasn’t played since December after coming down awkwardly and twisting his right knee during a Spanish league game.
The 27-year-old Pepe is a naturalized Brazilian who has been a regular for Portugal since joining Madrid from FC Porto in 2007.
Portugal opens Group G play against Ivory Coast on June 15.
