Portugal will be without defender Diogo Dalot for their first two World Cup qualifying matches, dealing a significant blow to the team just a day before the campaign begins.
The 26-year-old has withdrawn from the squad after suffering a muscle injury and will miss Portugal’s upcoming fixtures against Armenia on Friday and Hungary on Tuesday. Dalot is set to return to Manchester for further treatment.
Interestingly, the Manchester United right-back had played the full 90 minutes in his club’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Burnley in their latest Premier League match before joining up with the national team.
Dalot has represented Portugal 29 times so far and featured prominently in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, playing in the group stage finale, the Round of 16, and the quarter-finals.
This injury is not just a setback for Portugal — it’s a huge concern for Manchester United as well. The club is already struggling with fitness issues, with Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount both sidelined.
Cunha suffered a hamstring injury in the first half against Burnley and was forced off in the 31st minute by coach Rúben Amorim, while Mount didn’t return to the pitch after halftime due to discomfort.
Manchester United now face a growing injury crisis ahead of their massive clash against Manchester City on September 14, right after the international break.
