The Portuguese FA have announced that Manchester United winger Nani has joined the list of superstars ruled out of World Cup 2010 after injuring his shoulder.

Nani, 23, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Old Trafford last term and was expected to bring this form with him to South Africa. The injury to his left collar bone was picked up in training on Friday and Benfica central midfielder Ruben Amorim has been called up as a replacement by head coach Carlos Queiroz.

An official statement from the Portugese FA said: "Following the trauma, involving the left clavicle injury suffered by Nani and after daily assessment of the lesion, with the completion of additional tests, we conclude the inability of the player to play competitively.

"The medical file will be presented to the medical department of Manchester United. "

The news will come as a blow to Portugal's hopes of progressing in to the knockout stages of the competition after being drawn in a 'group of death' with Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea.

Nani joins club colleague Rio Ferdinand on the sidelines, after he was ruled out of England's squad after damaged knee ligaments last week.


Source: Goal UK