Bruno Fernandes ruled out of Portugal's Nations League clash with Norway over 'complicated' injury

Portugal will be without Bruno Fernandes for Sunday night’s Nations League meeting with Norway after manager Jorge Jesus revealed the Manchester United captain is nursing a “complicated” injury problem.

Jesus told reporters ahead of the game in Oslo that Fernandes “came off with a complicated problem” in Thursday’s 1-0 win over Wales and would not be risked. “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,” Jesus said. “It was one of the factors that prevented Bruno from playing at his best against Wales.”

The decision is strategic: Portugal face Denmark next Thursday, and Jesus — who has coached Fernandes before — said he would rather rest the playmaker now than gamble on a longer layoff. “I prefer not to risk it in this game so he’s fully fit for the Denmark match,” he said.

The news is a concern for United, who return from the international break against Tottenham with manager Michael Carrick under pressure. The 31-year-old has started all five of United’s Premier League games this season, scoring three times.

Both sides won last week — Portugal beat Wales 1-0 on Thursday and Norway beat Denmark — setting up an in-form encounter in Oslo.

Sources

• Manchester Evening News — “Man United handed Bruno Fernandes injury worry as Portugal decision confirmed”
• The Peoples Person (citing Mais Futebol) — “Bruno Fernandes: Jorge Jesus explains major reason for United star’s recent struggles” (https://thepeoplesperson.com/2026/09/26/bruno-fernandes-jorge-jesus-explains-major-reason-for-united-stars-recent-struggles-317355/)
• TribalFootball — “Bad news for Man Utd as Bruno Fernandes picks up ‘complicated’ injury on Portugal duty” (https://www.tribalfootball.com/article/soccer-premier-league-bad-news-for-man-utd-as-bruno-fernandes-picks-up-complicated-injury-on-portugal-duty-485d1d91-5600-4e5c-a078-49f25728619e)