Manchester City defender Ruben Dias was the only Portugal player to train away from the main group on Sunday. However, reports from Portugal suggest there is little concern about his availability for the World Cup opener against DR Congo.
Portugal held their first training session since arriving in the United States. Additionally, O Jogo reports that Dias was being closely monitored by the national team’s medical staff.
The defender did not take part in the full session alongside his teammates, making him the only player on an individual programme.
That inevitably attracted attention given Dias’ importance to both Portugal and Manchester City. The 29-year-old is viewed as the leader of Portugal’s defence. Moreover, he remains one of the senior figures within Roberto Martinez’s squad.
However, the same report states the expectation is that Dias will recover in time to be at full strength for the opening group-stage match on June 17.
Managed, not injured
The wider picture suggests Portugal are simply taking a cautious approach after another demanding season.
Portugal’s first session was also deliberately light, lasting around an hour in temperatures of 32ºC and a heat index closer to 36ºC, conditions which have already prompted careful workload management within the squad.
Record report that Dias has continued taking part in lighter activities with the squad. The Manchester City defender was pictured carrying out muscle activation exercises at the team hotel. Later, he joined teammates during a beach recovery session in Palm Beach.
Dias was not isolated from the group and remained involved in the team’s activities away from the training pitch. This is another indication that Portugal’s medical staff are taking a precautionary approach.
There has been no indication of a significant injury issue. Furthermore, neither Portuguese newspaper reports any fear that he could miss the start of the tournament.
Instead, the signs point towards Portugal carefully managing one of their most important players. They are doing this as they adapt to the Florida heat and finalise preparations for the competition.
For Manchester City supporters keeping an eye on their players during the World Cup, this currently looks far more like precaution than a genuine fitness concern.