Bernardo Silva has left the Portugal camp after picking up an injury against Denmark in the UEFA Nations League, leaving Real Madrid sweating over his fitness ahead of La Liga’s return.
Silva came on in the 79th minute with Denmark already 4–0 up in Braga. He scored Portugal’s only goal in the third minute of stoppage time, taking his international tally to 15 in 116 appearances.
The Real Madrid midfielder stayed on the pitch after the final whistle and ran alone for several minutes. He then underwent a medical assessment, after which Portugal’s medical staff ruled him out of the rest of the international break.
Silva will miss Tuesday’s match against Wales in Cardiff on 17 November. Rúben Dias and João Palhinha have also left the camp after both picked up suspensions for an accumulation of yellow cards.
It was Silva’s first appearance since being named Portugal captain following Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement. Bruno Fernandes wore the armband at kick-off before handing it over to Silva when he came on.
Portugal need a draw against Wales to secure top spot in their group. They had already qualified for the quarter-finals with 12 points from four straight wins before suffering their first defeat in Braga.
Real Madrid are awaiting the results of tests to determine the nature of the injury and how long Silva will be out. The midfielder has made 13 appearances since joining in the summer on a contract that runs until 2028.
José Mourinho’s side return to action against Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, 21 November, before hosting PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League three days later.
