Rafael Leão to miss Portugal's Nations League games with thigh strain

How the injury happened

Rafael Leão scored the opening goal in Galatasaray's 4-3 win over Amedspor on Saturday, 7 November, in the 11th round of the Turkish Süper Lig. Early in the second half he received a backheel pass near the touchline and grabbed the back of his right thigh. Deniz Gul came on for him in the 50th minute. Galatasaray then ran an MRI scan on Sunday, 8 November, at its sponsor hospital, Maslak Acibadem. Jorge Jesus had named Leão in his 28-man squad on Friday, 6 November, so the injury affects a call-up made only days earlier.

What the club confirmed

Galatasaray released the result in an official statement on Sunday.

“A serious strain and bleeding were detected in the upper posterior muscle group on the right side.”

The club said treatment had begun but gave neither a recovery period nor a date for his return to training. O JOGO reported, as cited by SAPO, that Leão faces about a month on the sidelines, a figure the club has not confirmed. The scan result has left Portugal without one of its attacking options for the final two group matches of the Nations League.

Leão's reaction and the squad

After the match Leão spoke to beIN SPORTS and said he would be assessed the next day and would treat the problem during the international break. He told the broadcaster:

“I do not have a serious injury.”

He also praised the club's medical team. The Portuguese Football Federation has not announced a replacement on the 28-player list, and the coach can either call up another player or keep the current group. Jorge Jesus now has one fewer option for the November fixtures, with the squad due to report at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras on Monday, 9 November.

Nuno Tavares doubt

Nuno Tavares, a left-back at Lazio, also left a match on Sunday, 8 November, with muscle complaints. He was replaced by Alfonso Pedrazza at half-time of Napoli-Lazio, which finished 1-1. Davide Frattesi scored in the 28th minute, and Pedrazza put through his own net three minutes after coming on, while trying to intercept a cross from Noa Lang. Lazio's medical department must reassess Tavares, and nothing yet guarantees that he will join the Portugal squad.

Portugal's remaining group games

Portugal have already qualified for the quarter-finals and need one point to finish top of Group A4. They lead the group on 12 points, ahead of Denmark on six, with Wales and Norway on three each. Portugal host Denmark in Braga on 14 November and close the group against Wales in Cardiff on 17 November.