Nani made a shock return to the starting line-up after suffering a horrible challenge from Jamie Carragher, where the Liverpool player made no attempt for the ball and cut Nani to the bone with his studs.

Given his pace and skilful feet, rough challenges are often the tactic of defenders given the job to mark him, but after such an assault from Carragher, Nani is understandably having some confidence issues.

“My leg is okay. It’s not 100 per cent but it’s okay to play,” he said. “Of course, my confidence is not the same. The players always like to tackle me. I have to be careful and that’s why maybe my football was not the best. But it’s great to be back. Now I’m just thinking about the next games. I will be much better.”