Bruno Fernandes is the latest player added to Manchester United's injury list, with the club captain ruled out of Portugal's next Nations League clash. Fernandes played nearly the full 90 minutes of their win over Wales earlier this week but will miss Sunday's game against Norway.
National team head coach Jorge Jesus suggested as such in his Fernandes update on Thursday, with his decision confirmed by the 32-year-old's absence from their squad list. Benjamin Sesko, meanwhile, did not even make it to international duty with Slovenia after suffering a setback in his recovery from a shin problem.
England withdrawals add to concerns
Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo were selected by Thomas Tuchel to represent England but both United stars pulled out. The former did look to have picked up an issue toward the end of his outing against Fulham last Sunday.
Amad is the other big concern from this season, with the Ivory Coast winger yet to make an appearance due to an ankle issue. He is, however, expected to return to training over the extended domestic pause.
Latest on each injured star
What Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has said: "In the game against Wales, we went in with all the available players but Bruno Fernandes came off with a complicated problem."
"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 [Fernandes] case 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. I've already spoken to him and I prefer not to risk it in this game so he's fully fit for the Denmark match."
Fernandes is unlikely to miss any United games, unless his issue worsens, going off comments that he will be back playing for Portugal next week. Possible return date: Tottenham (H) - Saturday, October 10.
Sesko started the Carabao Cup defeat against Brighton but was absent for the trip to Fulham just three days later. What Michael Carrick has said: "He just felt a little bit of pain after the game the other night [vs Brighton]. We're assessing that. Hopefully, it's not too bad, but we will have to see." Possible return date: Tottenham (H) - Saturday, October 10.
Recovery timelines for Amad, Rashford and others
Amad suffered an injury right as the season started but he is edging closer toward a comeback, as per Carrick, assuming no setback is suffered on his return to team training over the break. What Michael Carrick has said: "Amad, hopefully, by the time we get back, he will have trained with the group. That's a positive." Possible return date: Late October/early November.
Rashford hobbled off at Craven Cottage and then pulled out of the England squad, which suggests he may have a minor issue, but one he can likely recover from in the weeks off. What Michael Carrick has said: "We had to bring him off, as he had a bit of an issue. I'm not sure [if he's alright]." Possible return date: Tottenham (H) - Saturday, October 10.
Mainoo was also selected to play for the Three Lions but similarly to Rashford, went off early against the Cottagers and subsequently withdrew. Possible return date: Tottenham (H) - Saturday, October 10.
De Ligt has now missed 10 months of football and will almost certainly be phased back in gradually despite positive comments from Carrick. What Michael Carrick has said: "Matta is just working his way back, really. So I don't want to, because of how it's been, put too much of a timeframe on it." Possible return date: Unknown.
Ugarte suffered a severe knee injury at the World Cup and is set to miss an extended period. Possible return date: Unknown. Heaton has a hamstring injury that has stopped him from being in any squads. Possible return date: Unknown.
