Rafael Leão, a winger for AC Milan, was sent off during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Chile, thus Portugal may be without him for Wednesday’s international friendly against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Rafael Leão punched Chilean defender Ivan Román in the face during Portugal’s most recent World Cup warm-up, earning him a red card just before halftime.
Portugal overcame being reduced to ten players in the second half to win. The Europeans took the lead thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Gonçalo Guedes, but Román rallied late in stoppage time.
Leão was dismissed after his first start after missing a number of recent games for AC Milan due to suspension and coach Massimiliano Allegri’s selection decisions.
The 26-year-old is now anticipated to serve a minimum one-match suspension, which would prevent him from playing in Portugal’s final World Cup preparation match at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria against Nigeria.
Additionally, it’s unclear if the ban will apply to Portugal’s World Cup campaign, which might have an impact on group-stage games against Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Portugal’s third and last warm-up match before leaving for the World Cup will take place on Wednesday. As preparations pick up speed, they have already defeated Chile and the United States.
Another rebuilding window under coach Eric Chelle will come to an end with the game. The Super Eagles, who had previously won the Unity Cup in London thanks to victories against Zimbabwe and Jamaica, drew 2-2 with Poland in Warsaw last Wednesday, according to Naija News.
Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in their most recent encounter, which took place before to the 2022 World Cup.
Nigeria will not participate in this year’s competition, just like they did four years ago. This is the first time the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for consecutive World Cups since their 1994 debut.
