Ruben Dias sparks Portugal injury concern ahead of FIFA World Cup opener against DR Congo | OneFootball

Portugal have been left sweating over the fitness of Manchester City’s Ruben Dias as they prepare to open their account at the FIFA World Cup.

As the 48-team tournament takes centre stage across North America, head coach Roberto Martínez has been fine-tuning his squad that lands in Texas carrying significant expectations back home of international glory this summer.

Yet, the tactical blueprints for Portugal’s Group K opener at the Houston Stadium were briefly thrown into concern amid physical difficulties surrounding Manchester City’s Dias within the training camp.

With City’s Sporting Director Hugo Viana engineering a summer squad evolution – having recently secured a contract extension for Josko Gvardiol until 2031 – Dias’ long-term physical baseline remains a point of interest.

What has happened to Ruben Dias lately?

It has been reported that Ruben Dias was the only Portugal player away from the main group on Sunday, although it has been confirmed that there is little concern about his availability for their World Cup group stage opener against DR Congo.

O Jogo explain that Dias was being closely monitored by national team medical staff having been placed on an individual programme, and despite an initial expectation that he would be at full strength for kick-off on June 17, manager Martinez has ruled out the player.

Additional reporting from Record has confirmed Dias has since took part in lighter activities with the squad, carrying out muscle activation exercises at the team hotel and a beach recovery session in Palm Beach.

Ruben Dias and Real Madrid transfer talk

While Ruben Dias’ focus will no doubt be on achieving the best possible outcome in the United States this summer, talk continues to linger surrounding doubt over his Manchester City future.

The widespread understanding is that the former Benfica man features highly on a shortlist of potential central defensive recruits being eyed by Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, with the Portuguese manager represented by the same agent as Dias in Jorge Mendes.

It remains to be seen what Ruben Dias’ own stance is on his club future, while it also remains unknown as to just how much Manchester City would demand in terms of transfer fee for a player contracted until 2029.