Defender Said on the mend - team doctor

Brian Said is making rapid progress in his recovery from a back injury that threatens to rule him out of tomorrow's World Cup qualifier against Portugal in Oporto.

The experienced defender suffered a blow to his back in the early stages of Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Angola in Vila Real de Santo Antonio.

Said's injury was assessed by David Attard, the national team's doctor, after the squad's arrival in Oporto on Sunday evening.

"Said has strained a muscle in his back but he is recovering well and should be fit to play against Portugal," Dr Attard said.

Coach John Buttigieg had preferred to wait for the latest update on Said's injury before deciding on whether to add Andrei Agius to his squad.

Now it looks like Buttigieg will not call in a replacement as Said's prospects of adding to his 88 caps tomorrow look bright.

Meanwhile, Malta yesterday continued their build-up for tomorrow's qualifier.

Buttigieg summoned the players for a meeting in the morning. In the evening, the Malta squad had a training session not far from the hotel where the squad is currently residing.

Portugal will be without inspirational winger Cristiano Ronaldo. Carlos Quieroz's team, who have to beat Malta to make sure of a place in the play-offs, were due to fly from Lisbon to Oporto yesterday evening.

They are scheduled to train at the Don Afonso Henriques Stadium, the venue of tomorrow's qualifier, this morning.

Malta will have a practice session at the stadium later on in the day.