Fabio Silva's Portugal return ends with back-to-back bench appearances
What initially seemed like an international revival, ended up just being mute appearances on the bench as Fabio Silva's wait for a second cap with Portugal's national team continued.
After missing their first two Nations League games against Wales and Norway, Silva was recalled into the matchday squad by Selecao coach Jorge Jesus for Denmark and Norway fixtures. But the Borussia Dortmund forward remained on the bench the whole time, not seeing a single minute's action in either of their matches.
Portugal are filled with attacking talents
One cannot blame Jesus for not playing (an inexperienced) Silva given the fierce competition for places in the attacking department. The Selecao are just spoilt for choice in every position, whether it's on the wings, in the striker position or that of attacking midfielders.
For their Denmark clash, the returning Bruno Fernandes was played in his usual the No.10 role and was replaced after 90 minutes by Tomas Araujo. Against Norway on Sunday, Jesus tweaked his formation a bit, going with two strikers upfront - Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos - and PSG ace Vitinha playing off them in the advanced midfielder role before getting replaced by Bernardo Silva late on.
With such marquee names in the squad, it was always going to be difficult to see Silva storm his way through this lineup of star players and make a place for himself in the starting XI. But not getting even a single minute of gametime also sounds criminal, given the form he produced in the lead up to the international break.
In six matches, Silva scored four goals and made one assist to add a renewed vigor to BVB's offensive vanguard. His burgeoning attacking partnership with Serhou Guirassy was also bandied in the media as the 24-year-old displayed the kind of attacking firepower he lacked in his first season after moving from Wolves.
Perhaps, if Silva keeps up with his blistering exploits for Dortmund in the next phase of their club games, starting this weekend, we could see him in action for Portugal in November during their last two group fixtures of the Nations League against Denmark (14 November) and Wales (17 November).
No injury concern for Silva
On the bright side though, Silva returns to Dortmund without any injury concern. He's become an important component of their attacking plays now and losing him to a fitness issue would have been a huge blow for Die Borussen, who are set for an unforgiving spell of games over the next five weeks.
The in-form 24-year-old's availability will be crucial in navigating through this tough phase without losing the momentum built from six consecutive wins in all competitions before the international break. With his strike partner Guirassy also wrapping up his international schedule without picking up a knock, Silva will also have the chance to build on their thriving partnership and perhaps take it to newer heights.
