Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus provided a concerning update on the condition of the Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
The Premier League Player of the Year was naturally called up for the extended international break. He was in the starting lineup as Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammates went on to beat Wales on the opening matchday of the UEFA Nations League thanks to Joao Felix’s solitary strike.
Fernandes was on the pitch almost for the duration of the game, only leaving his place to Joao Neves in the dying minutes.
Bruno Fernandes has been playing in pain
On Sunday, Portugal will be eyeing their second win in the tournament when they clash heads with Norway.
However, Jesus reveals that Bruno might not be available for the contest in Oslo due to a ‘concerning issue’.
“While in the game against Wales we came into it with practically all the players who were physically available, we came out of the Wales game with a complicated issue involving Bruno Fernandes. We’ll see what happens by tomorrow,” said the experienced manager ahead of Sunday’s game.
“And from my experience as a coach, and physiologically, I’m also certain that on the third day not all players manage to recover.”
Portugal manager Jorge Jesus revealed that Bruno Fernandes has been playing through pain and could miss the match against Norway:
“While in the game against Wales we came into it with practically all the players who were physically available, we came out of the Wales game with a… pic.twitter.com/0riGmXmR6w
— utdreport (@utdreport) September 27, 2026
Interestingly, Jesus revealed this is a preexisting condition that the player has been carrying for weeks.
“Bruno comes with an injury from… from the night before. He already came with it. He’s been playing with pain.”
“I would rather not risk Bruno in this game and have him fully fit, with the physical conditions to play against Denmark.”
Following Sunday’s game against Norway, the Selecao will travel to Denmark for their third game of the international, which will take place on Thursday. They will end the window by hosting Erling Haaland and Co. next Sunday.
Jorge Jesus’ revelations explain a lot about Bruno’s Man Utd form
Aside from his big performance against Ipswich Town, Fernandes hasn’t been able to replicate last season’s sensational form.
So the good news for United is that Jesus’ admission may, fully or partially, explain why the skipper hasn’t been at his best since the start of the new campaign.
But on the downside, MUFC will be worried about the playmaker’s condition, and the fact that he’s been constantly playing for club and country despite being hampered by a physical issue.
There have already been some question marks regarding Man Utd’s management of injured players since last season. Benjamin Sesko has been the latest case, with some suggesting he was rushed back from injury while he hadn’t fully recovered, and he now faces another spell on the sidelines.
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