Real Betis full-back Nelson has been called up to the Portugal squad in place of Fabio Coentrao.
The Real Madrid left-back was forced to limp off during his side's 1-0 defeat to Russia last night due to a groin injury.
Nelson, who has won three caps for his country already, has been named as Coentrao's replacement for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland.
Raul Meireles has also had to pull out of the squad through injury, although manager Paulo Bento opted not to call up a replacement for the former Liverpool and Chelsea midfielder.
