Injury blow for Portugal as midfield enforcer Danilo Pereira is ‘ruled out’ of final Group H games

Danilo Pereira is likely to miss Portugal’s remaining group stage games after suffering a fracture of three coastal archs in his ribs during training. 

The PSG star played at centre-back in Portugal’s dramatic 3-2 win over the Africans, but reports suggest that he’ll play no further role in Fernando Santos’ plans over the group stage. 

It means the 31-year-old will miss the clash with Uruguay on Monday and then Portugal’s final game against South Korea next Friday. 

Portugal defender Danilo Pereira set to miss the final group games after suffering a rib injury 

Pereira received a yellow card in the victory over Ghana, after a back and forth with Inaki Williams, but the booking may become academic if the defender does miss the rest of the group stage. 

Portugal toppled Ghana in a game that came to life in the second half. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before Andre Ayew levelled. 

Goals from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao look to have settled the game for the European side, but Osman Bukari’s late goal saw the clash come to a nervy end. 

Danilo played in Portugal’s win over Ghana and was booked after a foul on striker Inaki Williams

Especially when Inaki Williams almost ghosted in behind goalkeeper Diogo Costa, whilst he was about to take a goal-kick. Unfortunately for Ghana, Williams lost his footing and couldn’t take advantage of the situation to draw his side level.  

If Pereira is unavailable for Santos, the Portugal coach could look to 129-cap Pepe to bring as a replacement or Benfica’s Antonio Silva. 

A win for Portugal’s side against Uruguay should secure a passage to the last sixteen for the Euro 2016 winners, but face a South American side looking for their first victory of the tournament following an opening goalless draw with South Korea. 

In Pereira’s absence Portugal could turn to veteran Pepe who has 129 caps for his country