Jorge Jesus has effectively confirmed that Bruno Fernandes is carrying an injury that started at Manchester United, after Portugal left him out of the squad for the Norway fixture. Jesus said, "He played with an injury he brought from Manchester United." He also said Fernandes was omitted after playing through the pain against Wales.

Portugal's decision on Fernandes

The squad call was about managing the issue rather than pushing him through another game. Jesus said, "The other case [Fernandes] 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."

He added, "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."

Portugal's schedule makes that caution understandable. They go to Denmark on 1 October and host Norway four days later, so there is no reason to rush a player they clearly want available for the next competitive step.

What it means for Manchester United

The concern is bigger for United than one missed Portugal call-up. Fernandes has started and completed 90 minutes in every United fixture this season bar one, and he has still managed 390 minutes across his last five matches. He also has been asked to carry a side that sits 12th in the Premier League with 5 points from 5 matches.

Michael Carrick has already said after Brighton that Fernandes "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."

United's next three matches are Tottenham at home, Atletico Madrid away and Leeds away, which makes Fernandes' fitness a live issue beyond Portugal's camp. The immediate update is simple enough, though, Portugal did not risk him for Norway, and the injury problem is now out in the open.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →