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Bruno Fernandes looks set to miss Portugal's World Cup qualifiers

Phil Egan
Phil Egan

11:35 4 Mar 2021


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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted that he'll prevent Bruno Fernandes from playing for Portugal in the World Cup qualifiers later this month.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Wednesday that he will not release players for international duty if they have to quarantine upon their return.

Several members of Klopp's squad are set to play matches at the end of March in so-called "red" countries, which means they would have to isolate for ten days when they arrive back in England.

The likes of Alisson, Fabinho, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Diogo Jota all fall into that category but earlier this month FIFA stated the clubs can make that call.

Jota's international team-mate Bruno Fernandes has been a key member of the United squad since his arrival in January 2020 and a player Solskjaer would not want to be without.

Portugal is currently on the UK's red list so the United boss has a decision to make with games against Brighton and Tottenham to come after the international break.

Solskjaer will also be hoping United have a Europa League quarter-final first leg sandwiched in between those Premier League games but first they have to overcome AC Milan in the last 16.

"We've not sat down and made a proper call on that one," Solskjaer said after the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.

"It doesn't make sense if you lose your player for 10 days' isolation.

"We are the ones paying the players and from what I understand that is the rule, FIFA have given the rule they don't have to be released so I would think that would be a hard call to make - to let them go and play in red-list countries.

"I want Bruno, of course, ready against Brighton and hopefully we are through in Europe and against Tottenham after that break. Of course I do."


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Bruno Fernandes Fifa World Cup Manchester United Ole Gunnar Solsk Portugal Premier League

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