Portugal centre-back Jorge Andrade is definitely going to miss the World Cup Finals after badly injuring his left knee against Barcelona, and having to undergo surgery.

27-year-old Liverpool and Chelsea target, who currently plays for Deportivo Coruna in La Liga, tore the patellar tendon in his left knee during his side's 3-2 defeat at Barcelona on Saturday.

Deportivo confirmed that the defender, who is a regular in the Portugal national team, underwent surgery on the knee on Sunday.

Since the surgery, it has now emerged that he is expected to be out for six months and will definitely miss playing in the World Cup.

Andrade was stretchered off the pitch in the 58th minute of the match after the centre-back collided with his own goalkeeper Jose Molina as the two players tried to stop Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o getting to the ball.

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was deperately hoping that Andrade will recover in time to help Portugal in the World Cup where they have been drawn in Group D alongside Angola, Mexico and Iran.

Scolari said: "His injury is terrible news for us."

"If he wants, he can still accompany us in Germany because he is still part of the team."

His contract with Deportivo is due to expire in 2009, but Andrade was hoping to use the tournament to showcase his talents to interested clubs across Europe, with European Champions Liverpool and Premiership Champions Chelsea said to be chasing his signature.

The Portuguese International had dismissed concerns over his club commitment, "Ever since I arrived in La Coruna I have only wanted to do my best for the club," said Andrade.

"Deportivo will gain a lot of money from my transfer, but my future will not be decided until June."

Andrade is expected to be out for six months, but of course this does not mean that he won't get his move before the closure of the transfer window at the end of August.

Italian Serie A giants Internazionale had reportedly bid €17m for the defender last summer, and are likely to renew their interest in the Potuguese international once again.

However, with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez’s links in Spain, and the interest shown from Portuguese Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, it may be that the English Premiership is where the defender will end-up next season.

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