Ruben Dias hands Portugal significant fitness update ahead of Uzbekistan clash | OneFootball

Manchester City star Ruben Dias could make his first appearance at the FIFA World Cup this week by returning to Portugal’s line-up against Uzbekistan.

Following his omission from Portugal’s opening World Cup fixture owing to a minor fitness concern, Roberto Martínez’s backline looked vulnerable without their defensive leader during a frustrating 1-1 draw against a physical DR Congo side in Houston.

For a player who has arguably anchored City’s biggest successes since arriving from Benfica, ensuring his physical presence remains intact is paramount for his country’s aspirations deeper into the North American tournament.

Dias’ impending re-entry into competitive action provides structural reassurance to incoming City manager Enzo Maresca, who is believed to be starting work ahead of pre-season at the Etihad Stadium.

With transfer speculation swirling around the defender regarding Real Madrid’s summer recruitment drive, seeing the 29-year-old focus on hitting peak physical fitness highlights his sole focus being centred on national team commitments as opposed to his club future.

Ruben Dias returns to Portugal training

Now, according to Record, Ruben Dias has been reintegrated into Portugal’s main group as they continue their training ground preparations for Tuesday’s meeting with Uzbekistan at the FIFA World Cup.

A separate report from fellow Portuguese outlet A Bola states that Dias returned to on-field work with teammates after missing the opening fixture against DR Congo, and the Manchester City man is already expected to be available for selection.

Finally, Jornal de Notícias – as relayed by Sport Witness – report that Ruben Dias took part in training with players who were not involved against DR Congo, whilst simultaneously working to ‘strengthen his physical condition’.

Dias brings stability to Man City and Portugal

By carefully partitioning workload and embedding him alongside non-playing figures, Martínez has conditioned his star centre-back to handle the humidity and high-intensity demands of the transatlantic tournament.

His expected availability for Tuesday’s match somewhat transforms Portugal’s defensive comfort, possibly allowing the Seleção to implement a much calmer showing against a disciplined, counter-attacking Uzbekistan side in the knowledge that the City star is a cog in their rearguard unit.

Elsewhere, Hugo Viana is moving behind the scenes to bolster the Manchester City squad this summer, with an expected record-breaking transfer for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson entering its final stages.