Fernandes will play in central midfield this season and has made the role his own.placeholder image
Fernandes will play in central midfield this season and has made the role his own. | Getty Images
Bruno Fernandes didn’t feature for Portugal in their 2-0 defeat to Ireland on Thursday night.
Ruben Amorim will be watching keenly over his players during the international break, with the hope that none of them suffer injury problems, ahead of Man United’s next game against Everton when they return after the break.
In terms of current major injuries, United have just Lisandro Martinez, who is working to make a return from his long-term ACL injury that he suffered in January. Martinez is close to coming back, which will be a fantastic boost for Amorim. But he hopes that no more players come back from the break with new injuries.
Why did Fernandes not feature?
Many Man United fans will have been worried when they saw that Fernandes didn’t make an appearance for Portugal against Ireland on Thursday night. However, it isn’t anything to be concerned about, as Fernandes wasn’t available for selection because of a suspension. Portugal suffered a shock defeat in his absence.
He picked up a fifth yellow card in a game last month where Portugal drew 2-2 with Hungary. That meant that he hit the quota of yellow cards, which warranted a one-match ban; that is why he was left out of the starting XI and bench for Portugal on Thursday.
It would be expected that Fernandes will return for Portugal’s next game, which comes against Armenia on Sunday. It will be their final World Cup qualifier, and one in which they need to avoid a slip-up, otherwise they could slip into the play-offs rather than automatic qualification if they are caught by Hungary.
When will Martinez return for Man United?
As it seems the only injury worries that United have are with Martinez, Amorim hopes that the Argentine will be able to feature in their next game against Everton; however, there is a chance that could come too soon for the centre-back.
Amorim spoke about Martinez wanting to play in United’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at the start of November, but he emphasised that the club is being cautious with the defender. He said: “He wants to go to this one, he is not going to, he is going to take time.
“He started training with us, but we had to change some things in the exercise for him, so slowly he is going to get better. He is really good. He gives us that edge in every training session.”
As things stand, Martinez looks like he could be available for selection against Everton, but he would likely start on the bench as Amorim won’t want to rush him back. If not, the defender could be targeting a return against Crystal Palace on November 30, or West Ham on December 4.
Continue Reading