Porto have confirmed that highly rated midfielder Danilo has suffered a partial rupture of the Achilles tendon of his left ankle.
The 26-year-old has been in excellent form for the club this season and had even attracted some of the Premier League’s top clubs to study him.
Indeed, Arsenal and Manchester United were reportedly willing to squabble over the Portugal international during the summer transfer window.
However, those two sides may wish to rethink their plans as he will go under the surgeon’s knife on Thursday following this injury blow.
“Danilo Pereria suffered a partial rupture in the Achilles tendon of his left leg and will undergo a surgical intervention on Thursday. More information on the injury will be released after the operation,” Porto confirmed in a statement.
Although Porto have not given any timeframe for the player to return, he will be missing for no less than six months.
Consequently, he will miss the end of the current season and will also miss the World Cup.
Danilo suffered the injury at the weekend in a 2-0 defeat against Belenenses. He was only just making his return from another muscular problem.
Ahead of the weekend’s match against Aves, Porto have further injury problems as top league scorer Moussa Marega is not ready to return to action while Jesus Corona has been reduced to gym work.
They lie second in the Portuguese league, one point behind leaders Benfica but face the handicap of having to do without one of their star men for the run in.
