Portugal have suffered a blow with the news that Nani has been ruled out of the World Cup finals through injury.
Winger ruled out of finals with shoulder problem
Portugal have suffered a blow with the news that Nani has been ruled out of the World Cup finals through injury.
The Manchester United winger has been forced to miss the showpiece event in South Africa after picking up a shoulder injury in training last week.
It was thought the injury was not too serious, but scans have shown the problem to be worse than first feared.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has called up Benfica's Ruben Amorim as a replacement for Nani in his squad.
"It's very sad," Queiroz admitted. "But the most important thing is the cohesion of the team and that we all play together to get over it.
"We are a team, we play united with a lot of ambition. This is what I want.
"Nani is in pain. We carried out tests and the upshot is that he is not fit to compete."
Unfit
A statement from the Portuguese Football Federation read: "After tests we conclude he is unfit to participate in the World Cup,"
"The medical file will now be presented to the medical department of Manchester United.
"In light of the report, the Portuguese Football Federation, taking into account the Fifa regulations for the 2010 World Cup, will call-up Ruben Amorim as a replacement."
Nani is the second United player forced to miss the finals after England defender Rio Ferdinand picked up a knee ligament problem in training.
Portugal will now have to make do without Nani as they prepare to tackle Brazil, the Ivory Coast and North Korea in Group G.
