Quim blow strikes Portugal
07 Jun 2008 - 15:47:49
Portugal have suffered a blow in the build-up to Saturday's Group A opener against Turkey after losing second-choice goalkeeper Quim for the entire tournament.
The experienced Benfica number one fractured his right wrist in training on Friday and will be out of action for four to six weeks.
Quim was believed to be pushing regular first-choice keeper Ricardo hard for the starting spot in coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's plans.
"Quim has fractured his wrist. It is not serious but he will not be able to play and will be out of action for four to six weeks," revealed team doctor Henrique Jones.
"It was in the final moments of the training session. He is devastated."
Third-choice keeper Rui Patricio will be on the bench against Turkey with Portugal yet to confirm who will be called up to replace Quim.