Manchester United handed Bruno Fernandes injury scare by Portugal boss
Bruno FernandesManchester United have been handed a major fitness worry after Portugal manager Jorge Jesus revealed captain Bruno Fernandes has been playing through injury.
The midfielder was forced off during his country’s recent Nations League victory over Wales, sparking fears at Old Trafford that their talisman could face a spell on the sidelines.
A complicated problem for Fernandes
Fernandes started the 1-0 win against Wales on Thursday but was substituted for Joao Neves in the final minute of the match.
It has now emerged that the United talisman was already struggling with a physical issue before joining up with the national squad for the international break.
Speaking to reporters in his pre-match press conference on Saturday, Jesus said:
“In the game against Wales, we went in with all the available players but Bruno Fernandes came off with a complicated problem.”
The Portugal boss went on to explain that the midfielder has been pushing through the pain barrier during his recent club appearances in the Premier League.
Jesus suggested that the midfielder’s determination to help his club side had overridden his physical limitations.
Jesus added:
“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.”
Rested for the Norway trip
The injury has already ruled Fernandes out of Portugal’s upcoming Nations League clash against Norway in Oslo on Sunday night.
He was not present for the national team’s final training session on Saturday as he begins his rehabilitation and treatment programme.
According to the Portugal head coach, the ongoing discomfort was a key reason why the midfielder struggled to make his usual impact in midweek.
Jesus explained:
“It was one of the factors that prevented Bruno from playing at his best against Wales.”
Rather than risk aggravating the issue further, the national team coaching staff have decided to give the playmaker time to recover.
The decision is designed to protect the player’s long-term fitness rather than rushing him back into action too quickly.
Jesus said:
“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.”
A massive worry for United
While the decision to rest Fernandes appears precautionary, the news that he has been playing through injury will alarm United’s coaching staff.
The Red Devils are heavily reliant on their captain, who has been a crucial source of creativity and goals since moving to Old Trafford.
Last season, the midfielder broke the record for the most assists recorded in a single Premier League campaign.
He has also racked up an astonishing 111 goals from midfield during his career with the Premier League giants.
Losing him for any length of time would represent a devastating blow, given that United lack an alternative player with his unique skill set.
Looking ahead to Denmark
Portugal will have to cope without their key playmaker in Oslo, though Nuno Mendes could still feature after being assessed by the medical team.
The hope is that Fernandes will respond well to treatment and be ready to return for the fixture against Denmark next Thursday.
United’s medical staff will undoubtedly be monitoring the situation closely as they prepare for the return of domestic football.
