Bruno Fernandes will remain with the Portugal squad for their Nations League matches against Denmark and Norway this week despite ongoing concerns about a fitness issue he is managing. One of his Manchester United team-mates, however, is being sent back to the club to undergo injury scans.
Fernandes managing injury concern
Captain Fernandes came close to sitting out United's Premier League clashes with Manchester City and Fulham while dealing with an injury worry. He has bounced back to preserve his extraordinary availability record across six-and-a-half seasons at the club.
The 32-year-old sustained several significant knocks during the Champions League triumph over Sabah two-and-a-half weeks ago and was spotted hobbling away from Old Trafford following that 4-0 success.
Portugal stay confirmed
He rallied to feature from the start against City and Fulham, while also appearing for the closing 17 minutes of the Carabao Cup loss to Brighton, although his performances in those matches have fallen short of his usual standards.
It's understood that United are actively monitoring their club captain's fitness levels and have been in constant communication with Portugal throughout the international break.
Fernandes featured for 89 minutes during the victory over Wales before being dropped for the triumph in Norway. Despite being rested in that match, he will remain with Jorge Jesus' group for Thursday's encounter with Denmark and Sunday's reverse fixture against Norway.
Dorgu returns for scans
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."
One player making his way back to Carrington, though, is Patrick Dorgu. The youngster limped off during the first half of Denmark's victory against Wales on Sunday evening with a suspected hamstring injury, and will now return to United for further assessment.
Dorgu was sidelined for three months earlier this year after sustaining a hamstring injury during United's victory at Arsenal.
