Share

Nani ruled out of SWC

Johannesburg - Portugal winger Nani was ruled out of the Soccer World Cup on Tuesday with a left shoulder injury, the Federation said in a statement.

"After tests we conclude he is unfit to participate in the World Cup," it said. Nani picked up the injury in training on Friday in Lisbon before flying to South Africa.

The winger had missed the squad's final home training session in Portugal on Saturday after falling while attempting an acrobatic shot and causing a traumatism in his shoulder.

During the flight to Johannesburg, he had been confident he would recover in time.

Nani's loss will be sorely felt by the 2006 semi-finalists who lost to runners-up France in Germany.

The winger had an excellent second half to the season with impressive performances in the Premier League and Champions League with Manchester United.

He will be replaced by Benfica's Ruben Amorim, the Federation added.

The other main injury concern in the Portuguese squad is Pepe, who has been recovering from a knee injury he sustained in December.

He has not played since but was last week cleared by doctors from the national side and his club Real Madrid to travel to the finals.

Portugal play their first tournament match on June 15 against the Ivory Coast in Group G, which also includes Brazil and North Korea.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE