Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been ruled out of Portugal’s Nations League clash against Norway on Sunday after picking up a fitness problem.
Fernandes was substituted late in Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales on Thursday in Lisbon, with manager Jorge Jesus confirming the midfielder will miss the trip to Oslo.
Jesus revealed that Fernandes has been playing through pain for Manchester United in recent matches, which affected his performance against Wales.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Jesus said: “In the game against Wales, we went in with all the available players but Bruno Fernandes came off with a complicated problem.
“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.”
The decision means Fernandes will not feature in Portugal’s second Nations League game of the international break.
Portugal will face Denmark in Copenhagen on Thursday, October 1, before hosting Norway again on October 4.
Fernandes has been a key figure for Manchester United this season, playing every minute of their five Premier League matches so far and also featuring in their Champions League win over Sabah.
United will return to Premier League action on October 10 when they host Tottenham at Old Trafford.
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