Portugal midfielder Joao Mario to miss Confederations Cup

Inter Milan's Joao Mario celebrates. (Luca Bruno/AP Photo)

LISBON, Portugal — Portugal midfielder Joao Mario will miss the Confederations Cup because of a muscle injury.

The Portuguese soccer federation on Wednesday dropped the Inter Milan player from the squad after tests showed that he will not recover from a right leg calf injury in time for the tournament in Russia.

Joao Mario will not be replaced by coach Fernando Santos, who had already called up an extra player to the squad.

European champion Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, will make its Confederations Cup debut against Mexico on June 18 in Kazan. The competition serves as a warmup for next year’s World Cup in Russia.

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