Manchester United have been handed another injury headache with Diogo Dalot forced to withdraw from the Portugal squad ahead of World Cup qualifiers.
Dalot has been almost ever-present in Ruben Amorim’s side since the coach’s arrival in Manchester last November, playing the full 90 minutes in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Burnley.
Following the weekend win, the right-back joined up with the Portugal squad along with Bruno Fernandes ahead of games against Armenia and Hungary.
But the Portuguese FA have now confirmed he has left the group due to ‘muscle discomfort’. Former Arsenal player Nuno Tavares has been drafted in to replace him.
A statement said: ‘Diogo Dalot was dismissed due to muscle discomfort
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‘Full-back Nuno Tavares was called up to the National Senior squad this Thursday to replace Diogo Dalot. The international, who plays for Manchester United, complained of muscle discomfort and was released by the Health and Performance Unit.
‘Nuno Tavares, 25, a Lazio player, joins the national team in Yerevan, traveling this Thursday from Rome to the capital of Armenia.’
United will now face a nervous wait to learn the severity of the issue with a huge Manchester derby looming after the international break.
Dalot started the season at right wing-back but dropped to the bench against Fulham with Amorim opting for the more attacking option of Amad Diallo.
Diallo kept his place in the side against Burnley with Dalot moved over to the left, replacing Patrick Dorgu.
United are already waiting on updates on two other players ahead of the trip to the Etihad on Sunday 14 September.
Mathues Cunha, the club’s £62million summer signing from Wolves, pulled up in the first-half against Burnley with what appeared to be a hamstring injury with Joshua Zirkzee coming onto replace him.
Cunha withdrew from the Brazil squad for their upcoming qualifying matches with United waiting for a further update on the former Wolves star.
Mason Mount was also forced off in the game, replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.
The former Chelsea star has started each of United’s three Premier League games this season, preferred to new striker Benjamin Sesko.