Man Utd suffer another injury blow as defender pulls out of Portugal squad

Man Utd suffer another injury blow as defender pulls out of Portugal squad

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has pulled out of the Portugal squad this week after picking up an injury.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that Dalot will return to England to receive treatment: 0

"Full-back Nuno Tavares was called up to the National Senior squad this Thursday to replace Diogo Dalot. The international, who plays for Manchester United, complained of muscle discomfort and was released by the Health and Performance Unit."0

Dalot started over Patrick Dorgu and played the full game as United won 3-2 against Burnley in the Premier League last Saturday as manager Ruben Amorim picked up his first win of the season.0

With Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount already doubts for the Manchester derby this weekend, the loss of Dalot will be devastating for United who already has the odds stacked against them.0

Amorim expressed his concerns about both Cunha and Mount who will welcome Dalot to the United medical room over the next week in what is a growing injury list.0

"It was hard to lose a player like Cunha and Mason Mount - Mount played like 30 minutes with an injury.0

"I don't know (if the pair suffered long-term injuries), I don't know but I'm concerned about that. They are so important for us, so we'll see."0

Portugal begins the qualifying phase for the 2026 World Cup on Saturday, facing Armenia and Hungary on the 9th, in Budapest and United captain Bruno Fernandes will be hoping to lead his side to 6 points.0