Bruno Fernandes may not be out for long if the latest injury update about the Manchester United captain is anything to go by. The midfielder sat out Portugal's fixture against Norway on Sunday night and was not even named on the bench.
The 32-year-old is presently with his country's squad for their four Nations League matches during the current international break. Fernandes has featured in every United game across the Premier League and Champions League this season, and was included in Portugal's 23-man party for the four matches scheduled over the three-week break.
Fernandes sidelined with 'complicated problem'
Fernandes was in the starting XI for Portugal's 1-0 victory over Wales on Thursday night, but now appears destined for the sidelines with what national team boss Jorge Jesus described as a "complicated problem".
However, in some news that Michael Carrick will be delighted with, Jesus has indicated he's hopeful of having Fernandes fit when Portugal take on Denmark in the Nations League next Thursday.
Portugal boss explains decision
"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 manager added: "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.
"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."
United monitoring captain's fitness
United do not return to Premier League action until October 10, when they will host winless Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford as they bid to rediscover their top-flight form.
Carrick will be hoping Fernandes is fit and available for that fixture, with United monitoring their club captain's physical condition closely throughout the international break.
The Red Devils will also be keeping tabs on the fitness of Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, after both players withdrew from the England squad ahead of the international break. Benjamin Sesko was similarly ruled out of the Slovenia squad through injury, while Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton had already been sidelined before the international break got underway.
