Nani out of World Cup because of bruised left collarbone; Portugal wants Amorim as replacement

Nani out of World Cup due to bruised collarbone

JOHANNESBURG — Portugal winger Nani was ruled out of the World Cup on Tuesday because of a bruised left collarbone.

The Portuguese federation said on its website the Manchester United player is unfit to play despite receiving treatment for several days.

The 23-year-old Nani will be replaced by Benfica winger Ruben Amorim if the federation’s request to FIFA is successful. Amorim has never played an international game for the Portuguese team.

The announcement came a little more than an hour before Portugal faced Mozambique in a warmup game. Its World Cup opener is June 15 against Ivory Coast.

The federation didn’t say when Nani was injured, but he played in the second half and scored in Portugal’s 3-1 win over Cameroon in a friendly at home on June 1.

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz was especially disappointed after Nani had a breakthrough season at Man United.

“Unfortunately, he didn’t make it. They’ve been three difficult days,” Queiroz said. “In my 30 years as a coach, I’ve never seen a player so determined to get better.”

Nani was the second-best scorer in Portugal’s World Cup qualifying run with three goals. The 23-year-old’s absence means Cristiano Ronaldo and Simao Sabrosa will likely occupy Portugal’s attacking flanks, with Amorim in reserve.

Queiroz had included Amorim on the squad’s standby list. Though Amorim has never appeared for his country, he had a standout season at Benfica. He can also play on the right side of the defense.