Serious blow. Portugal’s leader to miss Norway clash due to injury
Portugal have lost one of their key players ahead of their crucial clash with Norway. The team’s midfielder Bruno Fernandes will miss Sunday’s game due to a thigh problem.
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus revealed that the Manchester United midfielder has been playing through pain for around three matches. Despite the injury, Fernandes took the field against Wales because he wanted to help his national team, but he was unable to perform at his usual level.
“Bruno arrived with a problem from Manchester United. He has been playing around three matches with pain, and it is affecting him. Against Wales, he wanted to play because he wanted to help Portugal, but we saw that he was not at his usual level. We have to think beyond just one game. I would rather have Bruno 100% ready for the next matches than risk him today and aggravate the problem,” the coach stressed.
According to the coach, Fernandes did not train with the team ahead of the meeting with Norway. The medical staff will continue to monitor the player’s condition, while Jesus does not want to risk his health.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
