Mexico will be without striker Jared Borgetti for Wednesday's crucial Group D clash against Portugal because of a thigh injury.

The veteran Bolton Wanderers forward has torn a left thigh muscle but should be available for the knockout stages of the tournament, if the Mexicans reach that stage.

Team physician Dr Jose Luis Serrano said: "The muscle is 75 to 80 per cent healed and, fortunately, we found only a little inflammation of the tendon. This is a good result."

Trainer Milton Graniolatti added: "He cannot play for this game against Portugal. But there's hope he will play in the next game."

The 33-year-old sustained the injury in the second half of the 3-1 win over Iran but missed the goalless draw with Angola.

Mexico need a draw against Portugal to win through to the last 16 of the competition.