Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes, is an injury doubt after Portugal manager Jorge Jesus confirmed that the midfielder will miss Sunday’s Nations League meeting with Norway.
The 32-year-old, who has featured in all of United’s Premier League and Champions League matches this season, played in Portugal’s 1-0 victory over Wales on Thursday despite carrying an injury from his club.
Jesus said Fernandes had been struggling with the problem for several matches and was not operating at his usual level against Wales.
“He played with an injury he brought from Manchester United. He really wanted to play against Wales,” Jesus said on Saturday night.
“He wasn’t at his usual level, we’ll see if he’s ready.”
The Portugal boss further revealed that Fernandes had been dealing with the pain for about three games and suggested it affected his performance against Wales.
“He said he’s been dealing with that pain for about three games, and that was one of the factors that prevented him from being at his usual level against Wales.
Jesus added that he had decided against risking the United skipper against Norway, with the midfielder instead being given time to recover ahead of Portugal’s next Nations League fixture against Denmark on Thursday.
“He was my player, I know him perfectly. I’ve already spoken to him. I prefer not to risk him in this game and have him clean and in good physical condition for the Denmark game.”
Fernandes’ condition will be closely monitored by United during the international break, with the club scheduled to return to Premier League action on October 10 against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
United will also monitor Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, who withdrew from the England squad because of injuries.
Benjamin Sesko has similarly pulled out of Slovenia’s squad, while Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton were already sidelined before the international break.
