Diogo Dalot pulls out of Portugal squad as Man Utd's injury woes deepen

Dalot, 26, who had joined Portugal for World Cup qualifiers against Armenia and Hungary, is now returning to Manchester for assessment by United's medical team. The Portuguese Football Association confirmed that Dalot reported muscle discomfort and has been replaced in the squad by former Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares.

This development adds to United's mounting fitness worries following injuries to Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount, both of whom were forced off during Saturday's 3-2 victory over Burnley. Cunha sustained a hamstring issue early in the game and was substituted after just 31 minutes, while Mount's status remains uncertain ahead of the upcoming derby against Manchester City.

Dalot has featured prominently this season, starting three of United's four matches, including the Premier League games against Arsenal and Burnley. He also played the full 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup second-round loss to League Two side Grimsby Town. However, the defender missed six games at the end of last season due to a calf problem, limiting him to just five minutes in the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.

United head coach Ruben Amorim will be relieved that Dalot has been sent back to Manchester rather than being risked during the international break. With the Manchester derby against City at the Etihad Stadium scheduled for September 14, the Red Devils are eager to have as many players fit as possible for this high-stakes clash.

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