Portugal lose Bernardo Silva for Wales Nations League decider after Denmark defeat

Portugal will be without Bernardo Silva for their final UEFA Nations League group match against Wales after the midfielder sustained an injury in the heavy defeat by Denmark.

The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Silva had been ruled out after a medical assessment, with the player leaving the national team camp. Portugal were beaten 4-1 by Denmark in their previous match, with Silva scoring their only goal.

Silva, who recently became Portugal’s new captain, was assessed by the federation’s health and performance department. He was deemed unfit to continue with the squad during the current international break, although the nature of his injury has not been disclosed.

The announcement, reported by Record, is another setback for manager Jorge Jesus before a match which will determine who finishes top of the group. Silva has been released from international duty alongside defenders Ruben Dias and Joao Palhinha.

Dias and Palhinha are unavailable for a different reason. Both have reached the maximum number of yellow cards allowed under the competition’s regulations and are therefore suspended for Tuesday’s game against Wales.

Silva’s fitness had already appeared to be a concern after the Denmark match. Having come on as a substitute for Bruno Fernandes in the 79th minute, he remained on the pitch after the final whistle, running alone before photographers captured him looking visibly uncomfortable.

Without the three players, Portugal must prepare for the trip to Cardiff with a squad of 24. The absences leave Jesus without three members of his group because of injury and suspension ahead of the decisive final fixture.

Portugal face Wales in the capital on Tuesday in the sixth and final round of matches in Group D of League A. They require only one point to guarantee first place.

Finishing top would also provide an important advantage ahead of the quarter-final draw, which is scheduled for 20 November. Portugal would be seeded among the group winners for the draw if they collect the point they need in Cardiff.

The defeat by Denmark came on an evening intended to celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo after the announcement of his retirement from international football. Portugal’s players began the match wearing shirts bearing Ronaldo’s name and number “7”, while supporters displayed a banner reading “Thank you, captain”.

The occasion was overshadowed, however, as Denmark’s emphatic victory turned the tribute into a painful night for the home side. Portugal now face Wales without Silva, Dias and Palhinha, knowing that avoiding defeat will secure the group leadership and the associated draw advantage.