Bruno Fernandes set to return early from international duty after facing Sweden

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes continued his impressive form in a Portugal shirt on Thursday night, producing two goal contributions in a 5-2 win over Sweden.

Fernandes is one of Portugal’s most prolific players with seven goals and eight assists in his last 11 outings on the international stage.

The midfielder got on the scoresheet against Sweden and registered an assist for his efforts.

According to Sky Sports, Portugal will be without Fernandes and several other key players for their next friendly match against Slovenia on Tuesday due to an arrangement between the Portuguese FA and various clubs.

ULTIM'ORA #MILAN #Leao salta la sfida con la #Slovenia per scelta tecnica. L'attaccante portoghese rientrerà in anticipo a Milanello. Stessa scelta per Nelson Semedo, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, João Palhinha, Toti Gomes, Bruno Fernandes e Gonçalo Ramos#SerieA #SkySerieA…

— skysport (@SkySport) March 22, 2024

The news was also relayed by Fabrizio Romano.

🚨🇵🇹 Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, João Palhinha, Nélson Semedo, Toti Gomes, Rafael Leão, Bruno Fernandes and Gonçalo Ramos won’t play the second game for Portugal.

These players have been allowed to return to their clubs. pic.twitter.com/qZDxJfaJv0

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 22, 2024

The other players include Rafael Leao, Nelson Semedo, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha, Toti Gomes, Bruno Fernandes and Goncalo Ramos.

This is good news for United – and other clubs involved – because it means Fernandes won’t be put at further risk by playing against Slovenia this weekend. We know that he’s the type of player who wants to play every game, but clubs are reaching the business stage of the season. That is why this international break doesn’t make sense and you often see players pull out of squads.

Credit to the Portuguese FA for agreeing to this with United and other clubs.

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