Manchester United are sweating on the fitness of captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder was ruled out of Portugal’s Nations League game against Norway.
Fernandes started Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales last week but was replaced by Joao Neves in the closing stages, and he has now been ruled out of their second game against the Norwegians on Sunday.
“In the game against Wales, we went in with all the available players but Bruno Fernandes came off with a complicated problem,” manager Jorge Jesus said during his press conference.
“We’ll see what happens until tomorrow. Experience tells me that on the third day not all players manage to recover but that’s the same for Norway as for us.
“However, the player who comes in gives as many guarantees as the one who might come off, that’s what I’ll base my decision on.
“The medical team identified these two players as the most concerning, Nuno Mendes could be available for the game.
“The other case [Fernandes] involves treatment and recovery time. He’s coming off an injury at United, and he told me he’s been playing with that pain for the last three games, which is hindering him.
“It was one of the factors that prevented Bruno from playing at his best against Wales.”
Bruno Fernandes injury: What it means for Man Utd
Jesus’ words suggest Fernandes is being rested as a precuation and reports suggest he could feature in their Thursday clash against Denmark.
The best case for Man Utd is that his injury is deemed not serious and is made available for their latter two games, before returning to the club unscathed.
Man Utd return to action on Saturday, October 10 against Tottenham at Old Trafford, with both struggling clubs desperate to kickstart their respective seasons.
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