Several high-profile football players have suffered injuries during the current international break, adding to concerns for their respective clubs. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was left out of Portugal's squad for their match against Norway due to an injury he sustained while playing for his club. Portugal manager Jorge Jesus confirmed that Fernandes had played through the injury and was not at his usual level during the previous match against Wales.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo also suffered an injury during international duty, being forced off after just 16 minutes of the Netherlands' 2-1 win over Serbia. Gakpo appeared to injure his right lower leg, which could impact his form for Liverpool, where he has made a strong start to the season with two goals and four assists in six appearances.
Another player to suffer an injury during international duty is Patrick Dorgu, who limped off after 30 minutes of Denmark's 2-0 victory over Wales. The trio's injuries add to a growing list of concerns for clubs during an unusually long international break, which has been extended to three weeks with national teams playing four matches instead of the usual two.
The current international break has seen several other players suffer injuries, including Liverpool's Alexander Isak, who withdrew from Sweden duty with a minor thigh injury. Arsenal forward Kai Havertz, Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, and Northern Ireland defender Dan Ballard are also among those affected by injuries during this break.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe and Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala are also among the players who have suffered injuries while on international duty. The players' respective clubs are expected to assess their conditions when they return from international duty, which could impact their lineups and performance in upcoming matches.
The injuries to Fernandes, Gakpo, and Dorgu are particularly significant given their importance to their respective teams. Fernandes is a key player for Manchester United, while Gakpo has been a standout performer for Liverpool this season. Dorgu's injury could also impact Denmark's lineup in future matches.
The clubs of the injured players will closely monitor their conditions and provide updates on their expected return to action. The injuries highlight the risks associated with international breaks, particularly when players are forced to play through injuries or suffer new ones while on duty.
Key points
- Manchester United's Fernandes, Liverpool's Gakpo, and others suffer injuries during international break
- The current international break has been extended to three weeks, with national teams playing four matches instead of the usual two
- Several high-profile players, including Real Madrid's Mbappe and Bayern Munich's Musiala, have suffered injuries during this break
