Rúben Dias returns to full training for Portugal vs Uzbekistan

Manchester City defender Rúben Dias has returned to full on-field training ahead of Portugal’s second FIFA World Cup fixture against Uzbekistan. The 29-year-old centre-back missed Portugal’s opening Group K match against DR Congo due to a load-management issue. Dias trained separately with non-playing squad members while working on his physical condition. His recovery timeline suggests he could feature against Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday.

The fitness update follows a frustrating 1-1 draw for Portugal against DR Congo, a match in which Roberto Martínez’s side struggled without Dias’s defensive leadership. The Manchester City defender has anchored the club’s recent successes since joining from Benfica in 2020. His availability provides stability to both club and country, with incoming manager Enzo Maresca monitoring his progress ahead of pre-season.

Dias’s return also coincides with transfer speculation linking him to Real Madrid. However, the 29-year-old has focused solely on national team duties, with his fitness work prioritising the World Cup over club matters. Portuguese outlets Record, A Bola, and Jornal de Notícias confirm his reintegration into the main training group.

Roberto Martínez’s defensive reshuffle after the DR Congo draw may now be revised with Dias back in contention. The Seleção face a disciplined Uzbekistan side in their next fixture, where his presence could calm defensive transitions. The match marks Portugal’s second World Cup game in North America, where humidity and intensity have tested squads.

Elsewhere, Manchester City are finalising a record-breaking move for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, with Hugo Viana assisting behind the scenes.