Manchester United’s most important player Bruno Fernandes is also absolutely central for Portugal. Norway’s chances of winning tonight’s Nations League match at home at Ullevaal Stadion against Portugal were already very good, now they are even better.
Wish Portugal could field their best players tonight, always the best when everyone is available. – It evens out a bit by the fact that we do not have access to Alexander Sørloth, who is still not ready to play after an injury. (The latest report from the Spanish capital is that the Norwegian striker is now training without pain and will soon be ready to play again)
Read: Lamine Yamal strengthens his candidacy for the Ballon d’Or
Portugal have a cushion to rest on after winning their first match against Wales, as does Norway after beating Denmark.
The two losing teams are playing right now and at halftime the score between Wales and Denmark is 0 – 0.
Bruno Fernandes was taken off the pitch during Portugal’s win over Wales
What Bruno Fernandes’ injury means for Manchester United – as Portugal reveal ‘complicated’ problem
Manchester United are holding their breath and keeping an eye on the form of captain and midfield talent Bruno Fernandes, after the midfielder was left out of Portugal’s Nations League match against Norway.
Fernandes started Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales earlier in the week, but was replaced by João Neves towards the end of the game – and he is now left out of their second game against Norway on Sunday.
On our live service you can follow all Nations League matches.
“In the game against Wales, we went in with all the available players, but Bruno Fernandes came off with a complicated problem,” manager Jorge Jesus said during the press conference.
“We’ll see what happens until tomorrow. Experience tells me that on the third day, not all players manage to recover – but it’s the same for Norway as it is for us.
“Still, the player who comes in gives as many guarantees as the one who has to leave. That’s what I base my decision on.
“The medical team identified these two players as the most worrisome. Nuno Mendes could be available for the match.
“The second case [Fernandes] involves treatment and recovery time. He comes from an injury at United and he told me that he has been playing with that pain in the last three games, which is hampering him.
“That was one of the factors that prevented Bruno from playing at his best against Wales.”
Bruno Fernandes’ injury: What it means for Manchester United who desperately need points.
Jesus’ words suggest that Fernandes is being rested as a precaution, and reports suggest that he could play in Thursday’s clash against Denmark.
The best-case scenario for Man Utd is that the injury is deemed not serious and that he will be available for the final two games – before returning to the club unscathed.
Man Utd are back in action on Saturday 10 October against Tottenham at Old Trafford, with both struggling clubs desperate to kick off their respective seasons.
F7: What Erling Haaland’s nine-year contract with Manchester City says about relegation
