Rui Costa plays down injury fears

It was feared that a new thigh problem picked up by the Milan star could sideline him from the World Cup, but he has moved quickly to dispel these rumours.

The former Fiorentina ace sustained the injury against Chievo last weekend and initial reports suggested that he would miss the rest of the season and therefore placing his World Cup participation in doubt.

It's not true that my season has ended," said Rui Costa. "I don't know whether I'll return in a week or ten days, but it's certain that I will play before the end of this season.

"It makes me sad because every time I recover from an injury something like this happens."

The skilful midfielder has endured an injury-plagued first season at Milan, missing the first few months of the season after breaking his hand and arm on his debut against Brescia and then being troubled by an ankle problem at the start of the year.

The news will be a big boost for Portugal boss Antonio Oliveria as he will be one of their key performers in the Far East.