Bruno Fernandes’ physical problems are already known at Manchester United, and his absence for Portugal against Norway on Sunday confirmed they haven’t gone away.
The midfielder has apparently been dealing with the pain for three matches. He’s also admitted it restricts him on the pitch.
Portugal are now managing the problem carefully. Bruno didn’t feature in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Norway and is a doubt for Thursday’s match against Denmark.
There’s another game against Norway on October 4th before he returns to Manchester. So, with United waiting to get their captain back, here’s what Portugal have been saying about his condition.
Bruno arrived from United in pain
Jorge Jesus made it very clear where the issue started. Speaking before the Norway match, the new Portugal manager explained Bruno had arrived for international duty already carrying the injury.
“The medical team identified those two [Bruno and Nuno Mendes] as the biggest concerns,” Jesus said, via Maisfutebol.
“Bruno comes with an injury from Manchester United. He told me he’s been playing for three games with a pain that restricts him.”
“That was one of the factors that led to him not playing at his level. I know him perfectly, I’ve coached him.”
Jesus had already spoken to Bruno about the situation and didn’t want to take any chances against Norway.
“I’d rather not risk Bruno in this game and have him completely fit and in physical condition for Denmark,” he added.
Maybe that gives Manchester United a little more information about what their captain has been dealing with. This isn’t something Bruno picked up on international duty. By his own admission, he had already played three matches with it before joining Portugal.
Portugal trying to get him right
Portugal’s Record reported during the weekend that Bruno had been doing specific recovery work as Portugal attempted to manage the problem.
Jesus also revealed treatment could determine whether the midfielder recovered sufficiently to play again during this international break. The original target was Denmark on Thursday. That’s now looking doubtful too, with Bruno not expected to feature.
Portugal then have another meeting with Norway on October 4 at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto. That leaves a few days for the situation to develop.
In the end, for United, the important bit is how Bruno eventually comes back.
