Liverpool striker Diego Zuda left the field with an injury during the just-concluded Premier League match against Manchester City. After a thorough examination, leader Jürgen Klopp confirmed that the 25-year-old Portuguese international's injury is not promising and that he will miss the upcoming World Cup final week, which starts in the early hours of Nov. 21, Hong Kong time. Zuda's absence will undoubtedly have a huge impact on Portugal's attacking end, making Crowe's journey to realize his dream of winning the World Cup that much tougher.
As the game went into extra time, Zuda suddenly pressed his right foot in pain with an agonized expression and was then carried off the field on a stretcher. The scene made everyone realize the seriousness of the injury. Klopp revealed Zuda's injury at a press conference on Tuesday (18th) local time: "Zuda's calf muscle damage is serious and he will not be able to participate in this World Cup. Although surgery is not required, his recovery period could be up to several months. This is bad news for him and for us. Zuda is a very strong person and his emotions are not affected."
Zuda took to social media to express his feelings, "The best night at Anfield Road ended in the worst way, my dreams were dashed at the last minute." In their last match, Zuda was outstanding as a debutant, helping Liverpool to their most important win of the season, beating Manchester City 1-0. However, he fell from heaven to hell when he had to bid an early farewell to the game due to injury.
Zuda has made 29 appearances for the Portuguese national team, scoring 10 goals, including four in this World Cup qualifying campaign. One of his masterpieces was a solo goal against Serbia away from home.
Zuda is regarded as Crow's best partner in the national team, and now that he is unable to participate in the World Cup, Crow has lost his right-hand man, and he must support the team's front line alone. However, the 37-year-old Crow is not as good as he used to be, and Portugal's prospects for the World Cup are not optimistic. Portugal is in Group H of the World Cup, rivals include Uruguay, Ghana and South Korea.
