Portugal defender Ruben Dias will miss his country’s opening match of the FIFA World Cup against DR Congo after failing to recover from injury in time for the Group K clash.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez confirmed on Monday that the Manchester City centre-back remains unavailable, dealing an early setback to a team widely regarded as one of the contenders for the tournament.
“Dias is still experiencing discomfort and is not ready to return,” Martinez told reporters ahead of the match.
The 29-year-old has been undergoing treatment in recent days, but Portugal’s medical staff have opted against rushing him back for the team’s first fixture of the competition.
Martinez said the priority is to ensure Dias is fully fit for the later stages of the tournament rather than risk aggravating the problem in the opening game.
Dias has already begun an individual rehabilitation programme and remains hopeful of returning during the group stage.
His absence leaves Portugal without one of their most experienced defensive leaders. Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio is expected to start in central defence, while Martinez must decide between Renato Veiga and Tomas Araujo to complete the back line.
Portugal begin their World Cup campaign against DR Congo on Tuesday, aiming to make a strong start as they pursue what would be the nation’s first World Cup title.
The fitness of Dias is expected to remain a major talking point throughout the tournament, with Portugal hopeful that the defender will be available for the decisive matches ahead.
