Postiga out of Portugal's semi

22 June 2012 00:17

Portugal will have to do without striker Helder Postiga for their Euro 2012 semi-final against France or Spain after he had to go off injured in Thursday's 1-0 win over Czech Republic, the team doctor indicated.

Postiga had to go off late in the opening period and Hugo Almeida replaced him.

Afterwards, Portuguese team sources said that Real Zaragoza striker Postiga,a veteran of Portugal's run to the final in 2004, would have to rest for at least several days after appearing to pull a hamstring.

Team doctor Henrique Jones confirmed he would not be fit for the June 27 semi.

"We are going to evaluate the extent of the injury more closely tomorrow (Friday) but even if it is not a serious one it looks inevitable he will be out of contention for the semi-finals.

"We are going to do all we can to ensure we get him back for the final," assuming Portugal make it to the trophy match on July 1, Portuguese media quoted Jones as saying.

After coming off Postiga expressed the hope the injury was not "too serious" but said he would have to see what a scan showed up.

Source: AFP