Bruno Fernandes will remain with the Portugal squad for their Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Norway this week, despite concerns over a fitness issue he is continuing to manage.
The 32-year-old has been close to missing Manchester United's Premier League fixtures against Manchester City and Fulham as he battles an injury concern, but he has recovered to maintain his remarkable record of availability in his six-and-a-half years at the club.
Managing the captain's fitness
Fernandes took a couple of heavy blows in the Champions League win against Sabah two-and-a-half weeks ago and was seen limping away from Old Trafford after that 4-0 victory.
He recovered to start against City and Fulham, as well as coming on for the final 17 minutes of the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton, but he has been below his best in those fixtures.
It's understood that United are continuing to manage the fitness of their club captain and they have been in touch with Portugal during the international break.
Portugal's plans for Fernandes
Fernandes played 89 minutes of the win against Wales but then sat out the victory in Norway. He will stay with Jorge Jesus' squad for games against Denmark on Thursday and the return fixture against Norway on Sunday.
Speaking last week, Jesus said: “He played with an injury he brought from Manchester United. He really wanted to play 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.
“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.”
Dorgu returns for assessment
One player who is returning to Carrington is Patrick Dorgu. He limped off in the first half of Denmark's win against Wales on Sunday night with a suspected hamstring injury and will now head back to United for the injury to be assessed.
Dorgu missed three months earlier this year with a hamstring injury he picked up in United's win at Arsenal.
