Portugal Defensive Core Pereira Suffers Rib Fracture During Training

Difficult to Participate in the Korea Match

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Portugal, the final group stage opponent of the South Korean national football team in the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup, is facing difficulties due to the loss of a key defender. According to the Portuguese Football Federation on the 27th (Korean time), Danilo Pereira (Paris Saint-Germain) was injured during the national team training the day before. Tests revealed that three ribs on his right side were fractured, making him unable to play in the remaining two Group H matches. His participation afterward is also uncertain.

Pereira is a player who can play both as a defensive midfielder and a central defender. In the first Group H match against Ghana in this tournament, he played the full time as a central defender alongside R?ben Dias (Manchester City). Portugal won against Ghana 3-2. On the 29th at 4 a.m., they will play their second match against Uruguay at Lusail Stadium, and then face South Korea on the 3rd of next month at midnight at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.