Bruno Fernandes Set to Miss Norway Clash as Portugal Avoid Risk With Captain

Portugal are set to face Norway without Bruno Fernandes, with Jorge Jesus confirming that the Manchester United captain is unlikely to feature in Sunday's Nations League clash.

Fernandes arrived in Portugal carrying an injury picked up at Manchester United and has reportedly been playing through the problem for around three matches.

After starting Portugal's 1-0 victory over Wales, the midfielder did not train with the rest of the squad in their final session before the trip to Norway.

Jesus Does Not Want to Take the Risk

Jorge Jesus has made it clear that Portugal will not gamble with Fernandes' fitness.

The new Portugal boss explained that the midfielder has been dealing with the injury for several matches and that the issue affected his performance against Wales.

Jesus said the decision would depend on Fernandes' recovery, but indicated that he would prefer to have his captain fully fit rather than risk aggravating the problem against Norway.

That makes Fernandes' absence increasingly likely for a match that pits Portugal against one of Europe's most dangerous attacking teams.

Fernandes Has Already Been Playing Through Pain

The situation is particularly notable because Fernandes did manage to start against Wales.

Portugal eventually secured a 1-0 victory, but Fernandes was replaced by João Neves in stoppage time.

Jesus subsequently revealed that the Manchester United midfielder had been playing through the injury, adding another layer to the decision to leave him out of the Norway fixture.

Rather than pushing Fernandes through another demanding international match, Portugal appear to be prioritising his recovery.

Norway Present a Major Test

Denmark Already on Portugal's Radar

The decision also appears to have a longer-term purpose.

Jesus indicated that he would rather have Fernandes physically ready for Portugal's meeting with Denmark than risk him against Norway.

That suggests the coaching staff are treating the injury as something that needs to be managed rather than something Portugal should attempt to play through.

For Fernandes, who remains one of Portugal's most important players, the priority is therefore recovery.

Portugal will now have to cope without their captain in a major Nations League test — while hoping the decision allows him to return at full strength for the matches that follow.

⚽ Fan Debate

🔥 Fire: Portugal are taking no chances with Bruno Fernandes.

😲 Shock: Their captain has reportedly been playing through the injury for several matches.

👍 Like: Protect Fernandes now and focus on getting him fully fit.

💬 Comment: How much will Portugal miss Bruno Fernandes against Norway?