Bruno Fernandes has been pictured wearing a protective boot and with crutches after being substituted in Manchester United ’s FA Cup semi-final win over Brighton.
Fernandes was replaced by Wout Weghorst after 101 minutes of the match at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. He appeared frustrated to be withdrawn and was seen barking orders at his team-mates on the touchline in the closing stages of the tense match.
United went on to book their place in the final thanks to a 7-6 victory on penalties, but the win seems to have come at a cost. Fernandes appeared to twist his right ankle while on the pitch – and an Instagram post from his partner Ana Pinho shows a worrying scene for United fans.
Fernandes is shown lying on the sofa with a mug in his hand and his right foot raised up on pillows. In the foreground lies the case of a protective boot and crutches with the caption "recharging".
The Portuguese midfielder was playing his 50th game of the season on the weekend. He has been a near ever-present for Erik ten Hag’s side, often captaining the side in the absence of Harry Maguire.
United are next in action on Thursday, when they travel to north London to play Tottenham in the Premier League. No official update has been given on Fernandes, but the picture suggests he is a major doubt for that game and possibly others to come.
Ten Hag’s side then play Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday before further league games against Brighton and West Ham the following week. The FA Cup final against Manchester City is scheduled for June 3.
United have already been hit with a whole host of injuries. Victor Lindelof played alongside Luke Shaw in central defence at Wembley with Maguire suspended and Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane injured.
Ten Hag revealed on Sunday that Varane is a possibility for the FA Cup final, but Martinez has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an injury picked up in the 2-2 draw with Sevilla on April 13.
Donny van de Beek has also been ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury, while Scott McTominay is out with a knock and Alejandro Garnacho is still feeling his way back.
United are fourth in the Premier League, six points ahead of Tottenham with two games in hand. They are level on points with Newcastle, who have played a game more following their commanding 6-1 win over Spurs on the weekend.
