Fernandes, Gakpo, Dorgu join international break injury list

Bruno Fernandes, Cody Gakpo, and Patrick Dorgu have joined an increasing list of high-profile players who have fallen victim to injuries during the ongoing international break, according to BBC Sport's report on Sunday. Manchester United captain Fernandes was omitted from Portugal's squad for their match against Norway, as he had played through an injury he sustained while representing Manchester United in Thursday's victory over Wales.

Portugal's manager, Jorge Jesus, stated that Fernandes was not playing at his usual level due to the injury. Liverpool forward Gakpo was substituted after just 16 minutes of the Netherlands' 2-1 win against Serbia on Sunday, after appearing to suffer a right lower leg injury. Gakpo has had a strong start to the season, netting two goals and providing four assists in six appearances for Liverpool in all competitions.

Patrick Dorgu also sustained an injury during international duty, hobbling off after 30 minutes of Denmark's 2-0 triumph over Wales. This trio of injuries adds to the growing concerns for clubs during an unusually lengthy international break, which has been extended to three weeks, with national teams participating in four matches instead of the typical two.

Other players affected by injuries during international duty include Liverpool's Alexander Isak, who withdrew from Sweden duty with a minor thigh injury following a 2-1 victory over Romania. Additionally, Arsenal's Kai Havertz, Sunderland's Brian Brobbey, and Northern Ireland defender Dan Ballard have also been impacted. Top scorers in the UEFA Nations League, such as Kylian Mbappe of France and Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala, have also suffered injuries while on international duty.

Real Madrid's forward and Bayern Munich's midfielder are expected to undergo assessments by their respective clubs upon returning from international duty.