Here is the draw & updated wildcard/injury replacement info for the Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal 2016 (18th – 29th October)

INJURIES

Bede, Owen and Mick will again be OUT, with Stu Kennedy, Seabass Zietz and Dusty Payne respectively.

Although there are no official (new) changes to the draw in regards to injuries, it could be worth taking note of the following:

Keanu Asing – Looks like there’s trouble in paradise, as the newly crowned champ of the French beach breaks released this tweet yesterday:

Winners are still grinners it seems. We don’t have any official announcement on the incident, but word is there’s a few stitches and a couple of crutches involved. We’re hoping Keanu is fighting fit and ready to take his A-game to Portugal, stay tuned.

Kelly Slater – Following his Round 2 loss to wildcard Leo Fioravanti in France, KS indicated that he might skip Portugal in favour of resting his body (his back has been giving him some trouble) and getting his head straight before the Hawaiian leg kicks off. The International Man Of Mystery is still officially on the draw (Heat 8) but that hasn’t stopped him doing whatever he wants before. Keep your eyes closely peeled!

WILDCARDS

Frederico Morais – IN

You’ve seen this guy before; local ripper, ‘QS contender (38th) and world title upsetter. Last year when Mick Fanning who was looking the goods to take out the 2015 season, he still needed a result here in Portugal to give himself some breathing room before Hawaii. Enter Freddy. In their controversial Round 3 match up, Morais claimed White Lightning’s scalp with a combination of devastating hacks and progressive flair, before going on to an impressive Quarter Final finish. Freddy is hot on the trail of ‘CT qualifying, so don’t be expecting him to hold back coming to the pointy end of the season.

Miguel Blanco – IN

Local talent, and not looking too bad on the WQS (currently in 135th place) Blanco may just be another joker in the deal. He’s facing off against the yellow jersey holder JJF in his Round one bout, let’s see if he can be as consequential as his fellow ‘QS countryman was this time last year.