Bruno Fernandes cut from Portugal squad due to UEFA rules and 'complicated' issue

Bruno Fernandes has been left out of Portugal’s squad to face Norway on Sunday night.

The Manchester United skipper came off in the final minutes of the win over Wales in Lisbon. Portugal boss Jorge Jesus then admitted Fernandes was struggling with a ‘complicated’ problem he has played through for the Red Devils.

He was then absent from training on Saturday, with his name omitted from the official UEFA lists published on the day of the game. UEFA rules stipulate that a maximum of 23 players can be named in a matchday squad, with Goncalo Inacio drafted in after missing the game vs Wales.

Jesus had already suggested the United star would miss the trip to Oslo, in order for him to potentially be available against Denmark on Thursday.

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He said: “In the game against Wales, we went in with all the available players but Bruno Fernandes came off with a complicated problem.

“We’ll see what happens until tomorrow. Experience tells me that on the third day not all players manage to recover but that’s the same for Norway as for us. However, the player who comes in gives as many guarantees as the one who might come off, that’s what I’ll base my decision on.”

Jesus added: “The medical team identified these two players as the most concerning, Nuno Mendes could be available for the game.

“The other case [Fernandes] involves treatment and recovery time. He’s coming off an injury at United, and he told me he’s been playing with that pain for the last three games, which is hindering him.

“It was one of the factors that prevented Bruno from playing at his best against Wales. I’ve already spoken to him and I prefer not to risk it in this game so he’s fully fit for the Denmark match.”

After scoring a hat-trick in the win over Ipswich at the end of August, Fernandes has gone three Premier League matches without registering a goal or an assist. He played 90 minutes against Man City and Fulham in the week leading up to the break, with United picking up a point from the two games.

United boss Michael Carrick has already suggested he will attempt to rotate Fernandes in and out of the side in the coming months, with the added fixtures in the Champions League.

Carrick said: “In terms of the games and how it comes, hopefully he stays fit and he’s in good shape. But yeah, there’s the element talking about the squad and the depth, and as we go through the season and the waves and the momentum and keeping the boys in good form, but keeping them fresh as well.

“So Bruno’s part of that. He’s a big player for us, he’s obviously our captain, but there’s still elements where we need to look after him.”