Bernardo Silva ruled out as Portugal’s squad reshaped before Wales clash

Portugal will be without Bernardo Silva for their final Nations League group match against Wales after the midfielder was ruled out following the 4-1 defeat by Denmark.

The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that Silva had been assessed by its health and performance department before being declared unfit to continue with the national team during the current international break. The nature of his injury has not been disclosed.

Silva, Portugal’s new captain, scored his side’s only goal against Denmark but will now leave the squad. He is joined in being unavailable for the match by Ruben Dias and Joao Palhinha, who have both reached the competition’s limit for yellow cards.

The federation said the three players were withdrawn for different reasons. Dias and Palhinha are suspended under the Nations League regulations, while Silva’s omission follows his medical evaluation.

The midfielder appeared concerned after the defeat, remaining on the pitch to run alone once the match had ended. Photographers also captured him looking uncomfortable. Silva had come on as a substitute in the 79th minute, replacing Bruno Fernandes, before his injury was later confirmed.

Without the trio, manager Jorge Jesus will prepare for the Wales fixture with a squad of 24 players. Portugal face Wales in Cardiff on Tuesday in the sixth and final round of matches in Group D of League A.

Portugal need only one point to finish top of the group. Securing first place would also give them an important advantage ahead of the Nations League quarter-final draw on 20 November, as they would be seeded among the group winners if they claim the required point against Wales.

The changes to the squad come after a heavy defeat by Denmark, which ended a match that had begun with a tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo.

The occasion was intended to celebrate the former captain after the announcement of his international retirement. Portugal’s players wore shirts bearing Ronaldo’s name and number “7” as they entered the match, while supporters displayed a banner reading “Thank you, captain”.

The home celebration was overshadowed by Denmark’s performance, with the visitors defeating Portugal 4-1. Silva’s goal was the only response from the hosts as their preparations for the decisive meeting with Wales were further disrupted by the loss of three players.