Real Madrid face midfield setback as Bernardo Silva leaves Portugal camp

Jose Mourinho has been dealt a fresh blow at Real Madrid after Bernardo Silva was released from Portugal duty following a medical assessment and ruled out of the match against Wales.

The Portuguese Football Federation said Silva had been excused from the current camp after its health and performance department concluded that he was not fit to play.

The decision comes after Portugal’s heavy 4-1 defeat by Denmark in Braga on Saturday. Silva began that match on the substitutes’ bench and came on in the 79th minute for Bruno Fernandes, scoring Portugal’s only goal in stoppage time.

After the final whistle, the Portugal captain remained on the pitch and completed individual exercises, apparently to assess his physical condition. A medical examination several hours later confirmed that he could not continue with the national team.

Silva will return to Real Madrid, where the club will assess the seriousness of the problem.

His absence is a concern for Mourinho because Silva has become an important part of the manager’s midfield plans. The former Manchester City player established himself in the starting line-up after Mourinho’s approach produced a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Clasico.

Silva’s partnership with Aurelien Tchouameni in a double-pivot midfield helped Real Madrid limit Barcelona’s threat through the centre, close the spaces between the lines and apply greater pressure. That made it more difficult for Hansi Flick’s players to build their attacks.

Mourinho retained the system after its success, starting Silva in each of Real Madrid’s next three matches. The Spanish club won all three games and entered the international break with eight consecutive victories in La Liga and the Champions League.

Tchouameni also leaves France camp

Silva is not the only Real Madrid midfielder to have raised concerns during the international break. Tchouameni also left the France camp after being unable to complete training last Tuesday because of pain in his right adductor muscle.

That is the same area that had previously caused him problems during the World Cup held last summer.

Mourinho therefore faces uncertainty over both players who have provided balance and defensive strength in his midfield. Their physical condition will be monitored before club football resumes.

“It’s a double blow for the Portuguese manager, who found in the Bernardo Silva and Tchouameni partnership one of the secrets behind Real Madrid’s recent good form,” Sport reported. “He must now wait for updates on the players’ physical condition before competition resumes.”

Portugal are scheduled to face Wales in the Nations League – League A on 17 November 2026. Real Madrid are due to play Celta Vigo in La Liga on 21 November 2026.