Pepe injury: Portugal defender likely to miss crucial Euro 2016 clash with Wales because of muscle problem

PORTUGAL will be without star defender Pepe for the Euro 2016 semi-final clash with Wales after he was ruled out with injury.

The Real Madrid defender has enjoyed a brilliant tournament for the Portugese but reports in Portugal claim he will be missing because of muscle fatigue.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, the 33-year-old will face a late fitness test but is "virtually out" of the game in Lyon.

Experienced former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho is likely to partner Southampton captain Jose Fonte.

Pepe had trained alone on Tuesday in an attempt to have him fit enough to face Gareth Bale and Co in the semi-final.

But the defender has paid for a long, arduous season that saw him help Real Madrid to a Champions League win.

Portugal also needed extra-time in both of their knockout stage matches to reach the semi-final.
Along with goalkeeper Rui Patricio and star man Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe is one of the three players who have played more than any other at Euro 2016.

The trio have played a whopping 517 minutes - five Wales players lead their team with 450 minutes played.

Speaking after the win over Poland, Pepe appeared to hint that something was wrong.

He said: "Each victory comes with a price.

"We have worked hard and with little rest.

"We gave everything and fought until the end."