WE’LL DO IT FOR DAN

Silva eager to dedicate victory to injured Pereira

BERNARDO SILVA says Portugal are determined to beat Uruguay and dedicate the win to sidelined team-mate Danilo Pereira.

Pereira broke ribs in training and the defender is expected to miss the final group matches against Uruguay tonight and South Korea.

Manchester City midfielder Silva said: “We want to dedicate this win to Danilo because he is a fantastic player and person.

“But we have a strong arsenal of weapons and will be ready to play against anyone in this tournament.”

The injury to the Paris Saintgermain defender could mean a recall for 39-year-old hard man Pepe.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos admitted Pereira’s absence affected preparations but insisted Pepe will be ready to step in even if these days he has become a bit-part player.

Santos said: “He’s a monster. That’s the answer to the question, he has a huge role and of all the players I have he is a huge player.

“The injury to Danilo is the type of injury no one can explain. We don’t understand how it could have happened. Initially, we thought it was very serious, but after some examinations - at first he wasn’t breathing properly - he is evolving very quickly and he could be back on the field.

“We’re very sad, as Bernardo said, because he can’t play for the team but also we’re thinking about his health.”

Silva warned that Uruguay are a major threat, highlighting Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez and Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, who he described as “one of the best midfielders in the world.” Uruguay were held by South Korea in their first game while Portugal beat Ghana to take control of the group but Silva warned they cannot take anything for granted.

Silva said: “Valverde is one of the best midfielders in the world because he is strong, physical and a leader. Him and Darwin Nunez, and many other Uruguay players, are very dangerous.

“We have identified them as dangerous players and we must keep them on a tight leash.

“We also don’t know how they will approach the game. They could be very dangerous as they might have to go for the win.”

Silva – a long-term target for Barcelona – refused to answer a question on his future at City even after Pep Guardiola signed a two-year extension.

He said: “I’m very happy to be playing for my national team and I’m happy my colleagues have renewed. But my focus is on the national team.”