Portugal defender Pepe was forced to miss Monday’s training session with a thigh problem, and is now a doubt to face Wales on Wednesday night in the Euro 2016 semi-finals.
Pepe has been a vital player for his nation at this summer’s tournament so far, leading the back-line as Portugal got through their group, then past Croatia and Poland into the last four.
However the Real Madrid centre-back is now a doubt to feature against the Dragons this week, with a place in the final up for grabs, after missing training just two days before the vital match.
Portugal press officer Onofre Costa confirmed the setback for the 33-year- old, telling a press conference (via Sky Sports): “Pepe has a muscle pain in his thigh and is not going to train today as a precaution.”
Pepe has been an ever-present this summer for Portugal, and although his side are yet to actually win a game in normal time, a late extra-time winner and a penalty shoot-out victory have seem them reach the semi-finals.
The defender has been one of his side’s stand-out individuals in France, so manager Fernando Santos will be praying that his experienced centre-back is available to face Gareth Bale and company at the Stade des Lumières.
The winner will take on either Germany or France in the final on Sunday night at the Stade de France.
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