Bruno Fernandes Omitted from Portugal–Norway Nations League Match Due to Persistent Injury

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus confirmed that captain Bruno Fernandes was excluded from the squad for Sunday's UEFA Nations League match against Norway as a precautionary measure. Fernandes, 32, played nearly the full 90 minutes in Portugal's 1-0 victory over Wales on Thursday but was substituted in the closing stages. Jesus revealed that Fernandes arrived at the national team camp carrying an injury from Manchester United and had been playing through pain in at least three recent club matches, which affected his performance against Wales.

Jesus stated the decision was made to ensure Fernandes recovers fully before Portugal's next fixture against Denmark on October 1st. "He came here with an injury from United and has been playing through that pain for about three games," Jesus told media. "That was one of the reasons he didn't play up to his usual standard against Wales. I prefer not to risk it in this game so he's fully fit for the Denmark match." Despite describing the injury as "complicated," Jesus indicated it is not expected to result in an extended absence, as Fernandes was not sent back to Manchester United.

Fernandes' omission represents one of several high-profile injuries affecting European football during the extended international break. The 2026–27 season's first international window has been expanded to three weeks, with countries playing four matches instead of the traditional two. Multiple Premier League and European players have been sidelined, including Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, who suffered a lower leg injury during the Netherlands' match against Serbia, and Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu, who limped off during Denmark's fixture against Wales. Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé was ruled out for at least two weeks after injuring his knee while scoring for France.

Fernandes has established himself as integral to Manchester United's campaign under manager Michael Carrick, having played in all five Premier League matches this season and the Champions League opener. He holds the record for assists in a single Premier League season and has scored 111 goals from midfield since joining the club in 2020. Manchester United's next fixture is scheduled for October 10 against Tottenham Hotspur.