Portugal star Nani forced to exit South Africa with shoulder injury

The Manchester United star is thought to have suffered the injury in training on Friday and will be replaced in the squad by Benfica midfielder Ruben Amorim.

Nani's absence will deal a major blow to the plans of Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz, who was counting on the 23-year-old following an impressive season at Old Trafford.

A statement from the Portuguese Football Federation read: "Following the injury to the left clavicle suffered by Nani, a daily assessment of the damage and the completion of medical tests, we have concluded he is unable to be competitive.

"The medical file will now be presented to the medical department of Manchester United. In light of the report, the Portuguese Football Federation, taking into account the FIFA regulations for the 2010 World Cup, will call up Ruben Amorim as a replacement."

Nani had struggled to hold down a regular first-team place at United following his switch to the Barclays Premier League from Sporting Lisbon in 2007.

But he emerged from the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo following his compatriot's move to Real Madrid last summer and became an integral part of Sir Alex Ferguson's side as they narrowly lost out in the title race to Chelsea last term.

He joins a long list of injured stars who will now miss the World Cup, including Rio Ferdinand, Michael Ballack, John Obi Mikel, Lassana Diarra, and Michael Essien, while the likes of Didier Drogba, Andrea Pirlo and Arjen Robben are still fighting to save their own tournaments.

Nani's injury gives an opportunity to the previously uncapped Amorim, a 25-year-old former Portugal Under-21 international.

Amorim made 24 appearances for Benfica last season as they won the league for the first time in five years.

He had been named among the six reserve players for the tournament by Queiroz, having worked his way up to the fringes of the senior squad during an impressive campaign.

Bayern Munich winger Robben is out of Holland's opener against Denmark on Monday with a hamstring injury.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid man sustained a small tear in his left hamstring towards the end of Saturday's 6-1 warm-up victory over Hungary.

"Since the final of the Champions League (May 22), Arjen has hardly played," said coach Bert van Marwijk.

"It is illusory to believe that he will be ready to face Denmark.

"Whatever one may say, his injury is serious and I do not know when he can join us."