Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been released from the Portugal squad ahead of their second friendly clash against Slovenia on Tuesday.
The club has granted Fernandes an extended break and he is not expected to return until after the international break, as reported by the Athletic.
The 29-year-old delivered a scintillating display in Portugal’s 5-2 friendly win over Sweden on Thursday night.
He started in a midfield trio consisting of Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes and Fulham’s Joao Palhinha.
He was their primary orchestrator and deservingly registered a goal and an assist to cap off a fine night.
Bruno Fernandes deserves a breather
The €70 million-rated star has been playing through knocks for the club. He suffered a dead leg against Liverpool but remained on the pitch for 120 minutes.
He also did not get any rest against Sweden, but Roberto Martinez has wisely decided to send him home early.
It will also allow the Portugal head coach to evaluate other players before the 2024 European Championship.
Man United fans will be delighted to see that Fernandes is getting time off.
The midfielder has a significant role to play for the Red Devils after the international break.
United are fighting to grab the fourth spot to secure the Champions League football for next season.
They are nine and six points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa and fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
After beating Liverpool, they are just two victories away from winning the FA Cup.
Fernandes is expected to return to action next against Brentford in the Premier League on March 30.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
