Bernardo Silva ruled out of World Cup qualifier

Fernando Santos was already without injury trio Anthony Lopes, Rafa Silva and João Mário from his original squad

Portugal's Bernardo Silva runs with the ball away from Luxembourg's Sebastien Thill, left, during the World Cup 2022 group A qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Luxembourg at the Algarve stadium outside Faro, Portugal, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Joao Matos)

Bernardo Silva has been ruled out of the Portugal team to face Ireland in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier.

The Manchester City midfielder attacker hasn’t trained this week due to a muscle complaint and Fernando Santos confirmed his only chance of participation in this window is Sunday’s group decider against Serbia in Lisbon.