The Portuguese misfortunes of Nuno Mendes will have consequences for Paris Saint-Germain. Forfeited for the rest of the World Cup following his injury against Uruguay, the left side of the Seleçao will be unavailable for eight weeks, according to initial forecasts. Officially, the Portuguese is still in the race to play in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League against Bayern Munich, scheduled for February 14.
Mendes suffers a total muscle tear in one thigh. He will remain in Doha for the next few days to receive treatment with the national team before following a treatment protocol in a Qatari hospital. The left-back had already been sidelined for three weeks in October after suffering a hamstring injury during a game against Benfica in the Champions League.
The 20-year-old Portuguese won’t play again until next year. He will miss at least the recovery with the Parisian club and part of the January matches. PSG resumes the championship on Wednesday December 28 against Strasbourg.
PSG’s Portuguese Players’ World Cup is proving more than tricky for now. Danilo Pereira, holder against Ghana but at fault on a goal, is also in the infirmary due to a broken rib. He could come back in the round of 16, even if the doubt still remains. Midfielder Vitinha remained on the bench for the first two games. He could be entitled to a few minutes against South Korea.