Portugal in huge World Cup blow as Nuno Mendes is ruled out for rest of tournament after picking up thigh injury

NUNO MENDES has dealt a huge blow to Portugal’s World Cup hopes after being ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender limped off the pitch in tears during the Portuguese’s win over Uruguay on Monday night.

EPANuno Mendes suffered a thigh injury in Portugal’s win over Uruguay[/caption]

GettyAnd the defender has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament[/caption]

Mendes appeared to suffer a thigh strain, although the severity of the injury wasn’t fully known.

But the full-back’s tournament has come to a premature end after further assessment from team doctors.

Footy fans were quick to express their sympathy for the injured defender.

One tweeted: “Such a terrible shame for him and Portugal. An exceptional footballer.”

Another said: “Big blow the Portuguese team.”

And another said: “Nuno Mendes is out of the World Cup.

“That’s a huge damage for Portugal

One remarked: “Get well soon Mendes.”

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Another chimed in: “Get well, Nuno.”

Portugual have yet to officially confirm Mendes’ tournament-ending injury – which will pave the way for Joao Cancelo to start in their final Group H match.

Mendes, 20, has also remained silent on the heartbreaking injury.

Portugal booked their place in the last 16 win with a 2-0 win over UruguayREX

Portugal booked their place in the last 16 of the tournament with a 2-0 win over Uruguay – which came courtesy of a Bruno Fernandes brace.

Fernando Santos’ troops will bid to seal top spot on Friday with a victory over South Korea – who only have one point to from their opening two matches.