Portugal Defender Bruno Alves a Doubt For Game Against USA

Portugal’s injury woes continue to intensify as a make or break match with the United States approaches tomorrow. Bruno Alves, a defender suffered a muscle injury in training Saturday and has joined a length list of injured Portuguese players and is unlikely to feature in tomorrow’s clash according to multiple media reports.

With Pepe’s suspension and the injury to Fábio Coentrão, Portugal’s backline was already going to be a makeshift one likely featuring Ricardo Costa and Luis Neto but now is thrown into greater crisis with Alves injury. Goalkeeper Rui Patrício and Striker Hugo Almeida are also unavailable for tomorrow’s Group G clash. Alves, who features for Fenerbahçe in the Turkish league is Portugal’s most experienced defender and his loss could be very costly for a desperate side.

Following a 4-0 loss to Germany in the opening match of the competition, the Portuguese have been hit with several items of concerns related to injuries though it appears that superstar Captain Cristiano Ronaldo will play tomorrow.

The United States have an injury concern of their own with Jozy Altidore unavailable tomorrow following a hamstring injury in the 2-1 victory over Ghana. Portugal needs at least a point tomorrow to keep hopes of advancement to the knockout stages alive.  The nation has advanced beyond the Group Stage of each of the last five major tournaments reaching at least the semifinals in three of those competitions.