NUNO MENDES has dealt a huge blow to Portugal's World Cup hopes after being ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender limped off the pitch in tears during the Portuguese's win over Uruguay on Monday night.
Mendes appeared to suffer a thigh strain, although the severity of the injury wasn't fully known.
But the fullback's tournament has come to a premature end after further assessment from team doctors.
Footy fans were quick to express their sympathy for the injured defender.
One tweeted: "Such a terrible shame for him and Portugal. An exceptional footballer."
Another said: "Big blow the Portuguese team."
And another said: "Nuno Mendes is out of the World Cup.
"That’s a huge damage for Portugal
One remarked: "Get well soon Mendes."
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Another chimed in: "Get well, Nuno."
Portugual have yet to officially confirm Mendes' tournament-ending injury - which will pave the way for Joao Cancelo to start in their final Group H match.
Mendes, 20, has also remained silent on the heartbreaking injury.
Portugal booked their place in the last 16 of the tournament with a 2-0 win over Uruguay - which came courtesy of a Bruno Fernandes brace.
Fernando Santos' troops will bid to seal top spot on Friday with a victory over South Korea - who only have one point to their name from their opening two matches.
