Bernardo Silva has been released by Portugal after a clinical evaluation deemed him unfit, and Real Madrid now have to wait on tests after another interruption to their midfield plans. Silva was one of 18 Madrid players called up for the final international break of the year, and the timing is awkward because Aurélien Tchouaméni is already back with an adductor injury.
Madrid's midfield run-in
Silva had started the last five Real Madrid matches across LaLiga and the Champions League, and he has already made 10 league appearances this season. Madrid have won their last five games, so the setback arrives while the team are trying to keep momentum going in a title chase.
That does not make the issue any smaller. A player who was becoming central to José Mourinho's side, even in a stretch that included five straight starts, is now back under review just as the next fixtures are closing in.
Portugal's update after Denmark
The medical news followed Portugal vs Denmark, where Silva came on, scored Portugal's only goal and then left camp after the evaluation. Portugal lost 1-4 to Denmark in Braga, and he was on the pitch for 11 minutes in the match.
There is a small dispute over the exact substitute spell, with one report putting it at 10 minutes, but the more widely reported figure is 11. Either way, the important detail is the same, Portugal's staff ruled him unfit and sent him back to Madrid before the break was done.
Real Madrid's next listed home fixtures are Celta Vigo on 2026-11-21, PSV Eindhoven on 2026-11-24 and Alaves on 2026-11-28, and the club now have a fresh fitness check to deal with before that run.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →
