Bruno Fernandes ruled out of Portugal’s Norway trip

Portugal will be without Bruno Fernandes for Sunday’s Nations League meeting with Norway, after Jorge Jesus confirmed that the Manchester United midfielder will not travel for the second match of the campaign. The decision is intended to protect the 32-year-old after he sustained a minor injury in the previous fixture and keep him available for the following game against Denmark.

Fernandes was involved in Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales on Thursday but was substituted in the 67th minute. That victory gave Portugal a positive start to the Nations League, while his absence removes an attacking midfield option from the team for the trip to Norway, whose squad includes Erling Haaland.

João Neves is expected to return to the starting lineup in Oslo after being limited to a late appearance against Wales because of a slight physical problem. A scan cleared the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder to take a larger role. Nuno Mendes, also of PSG, is available after being taken off against Wales due to fatigue. Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement remains undecided, with a final call due after training and a discussion with the Portugal captain.