Portugal defender Nuno Mendes to miss the rest of the World Cup

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By Martin Graham | 1st Dec 2022

PSG left-back Nuno Mendes is set to miss the rest of the World Cup following an injury in the win over Uruguay. Portugal have qualified for the knockout rounds despite having a game against South Korea on Friday.

Portugal have impressed so far at the World Cup. The Iberian country were regarded as dark horses to win the tournament and are so far living up to that reputation. The first goal was to qualify for the knockout round, and they did it with style after garnering six points from their first two games.

While all eyes have been on Cristiano Ronaldo following his shenanigans with Manchester United, the team has gradually gone about its business without distractions. Perhaps the former Real Madrid forward is taking the heat for his side and allowing them to thrive without the pressure of the spotlight.

Portugal’s success so far has already claimed its first casualty. While attention has been on Ronaldo, Nuno Mendes almost went under the radar. The PSG left-back has seen his World Cup campaign come to a close following an injury in the game against Uruguay.

Nuno Mendes is out of the World Cup

Nuno Mendes is a bright and young left-back who plays for PSG. There were plenty of expectations for Mendes at the World Cup following his brilliant form at PSG. Things came to a head for the youngster as he saw his World Cup campaign cut short by an injury when Portugal took on Uruguay.

The 20-year-old defender was in tears at the Lusail Stadium during Portugal’s 2-0 win over Uruguay. According to reports, Mendes will be on the sidelines till next year. Raphael Guerreiro took the place of the youngster in 42 minutes as Portugal sealed their place in the next round.

The news comes as a devastating blow for the PSG full-back. Mendes also copped a hamstring injury before Qatar 2022.

L’Euipe reports that the injury – a thigh contracture, means that Mendes will not be available for the game against South Korea on Friday.

Portugal chasing a first World Cup triumph

With hopes of Mendes making an appearance during the remainder of the World Cup, Guerreiro will take his place. Ronaldo is counting on the squad to deliver the only trophy missing from his cabinet. Portugal is yet to win the World Cup.

Mendes did not feature in the 3-2 win over Ghana, and despite being gutted, he still has many years ahead of him to feature at the World Cup. It was a tight affair against Uruguay, but Portugal overcame the South American side.

Two goals from Bruno Fernandes were enough to give Portugal all three points and a spot in the round of 16. They will finish the group as leaders even if they lose to South Korea on Friday. The other three teams still have a chance of qualifying for the knockout round. Ghana needs a win over Uruguay to seal their place.