Fernandes, Gakpo and Dorgu add to international-break injury concerns
Bruno Fernandes, Cody Gakpo and Patrick Dorgu have sustained injury problems while representing Portugal, the Netherlands and Denmark respectively. Their cases add to a growing list of players affected during an extended international window, with clubs expected to assess their conditions when they return from national-team duty.
Bruno Fernandes, Cody Gakpo and Patrick Dorgu have joined the list of prominent players to suffer injury problems during the current international break, according to BBC Sport. Fernandes was omitted from Portugal’s squad for Sunday’s match against Norway after playing in Thursday’s victory over Wales. Portugal manager Jorge Jesus said the Manchester United captain had arrived with an injury from his club and had played through it in the Wales match, where he was not at his usual level.
Gakpo was forced off after 16 minutes of the Netherlands’ 2-1 win over Serbia on Sunday. The Liverpool forward appeared to have injured his right lower leg. He has started the season strongly, with two goals and four assists in six appearances for Liverpool in all competitions.
Dorgu also left his national team’s match early, limping off after 30 minutes of Denmark’s 2-0 victory over Wales. The injuries come during an unusually long international window. National teams are playing four matches across three weeks, rather than the usual two, increasing the number of players facing extended duty away from their clubs.
Liverpool have also lost striker Alexander Isak from Sweden duty because of a minor thigh injury. Other players affected include Arsenal forward Kai Havertz, Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey and Northern Ireland defender Dan Ballard. Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe and Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala have also suffered injuries while on international duty.
The clubs are expected to assess all the players when they return.
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