LONDON, Nov 10 — Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva will miss tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier away to Ireland due to "muscle issues”, manager Fernando Santos told reporters today.

Silva, who has been in terrific form for his club Manchester City this season and was instrumental in their Premier League derby win against rivals United at the weekend, missed training on Monday and was also absent yesterday.

"I don’t count on him. He has muscle complaints. I don’t think he has the conditions to go to this game. We think he will be okay for Serbia (on Sunday),” said Santos.

"He arrived tired, complaining, he has many games on him, and couldn’t go to training, but he’s recovering well and we hope and we believe he’ll be able to play here with Serbia.”

The game in Dublin against Ireland is crucial for Portugal, who trail leaders Serbia by a point in Group A but have a game in hand. — Reuters