Portugal Rest Bruno Fernandes for Norway Win Amid Fitness Concerns
Bruno Fernandes was left out of Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway after the midfielder reported a “complicated” fitness problem, with the national team choosing not to risk worsening the issue before their match against Denmark.
Portugal protect Fernandes after Wales discomfort
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus confirmed Fernandes had been playing through pain and was below his usual level in the previous game against Wales. The Manchester United captain told the Portugal staff that the problem had troubled him for roughly three matches.
- Fernandes featured against Wales but came off with the physical issue.
- Portugal then withheld him from the Norway victory as a precaution.
- Jesus wants the midfielder in better condition for the Denmark fixture.
Jesus said Portugal had entered the Wales match with all players available, but Fernandes later had to leave the pitch with the injury concern. He added that his knowledge of the player, and a direct conversation with him, convinced him that rest was the right call.
United face questions over international release
The problem is understood to have started while Fernandes was with Manchester United. He had reportedly been carrying it for close to three weeks before linking up with Portugal, and had only narrowly cleared fitness checks for important matches against Manchester City and Fulham.
That has raised concerns over why United permitted their captain to travel if there was already a significant issue. Former Old Trafford chief scout Mick Brown said the club could be responsible if the injury has deteriorated during the international break.
Brown questioned why Fernandes had been released after picking up the problem at United, arguing that the club should have recognised its seriousness and acted before Portugal duty began.
Tottenham deadline looms for Carrick
Manchester United are due to host Tottenham on October 10, leaving limited time for Fernandes to prove he is ready. His availability would be a major boost for Michael Carrick after an uneven opening to the campaign.
Fernandes remains United’s central creative figure and recently scored a hat-trick in the 5-2 win over Ipswich. Brown warned that losing him would damage the side’s results, given his importance to the team.
If the captain cannot recover in time, Carrick will need to reshape his attacking plans for the Old Trafford meeting with Tottenham.
