BRUNO FERNANDES was absent from Portugal’s trip to face the Republic of Ireland in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Thursday evening.
Fernandes would normally be named in Roberto Martinez’s XI, especially in a crunch qualifying game.
Manchester United skipper Fernandes was called-up again during the penultimate qualifying break ahead of next summer‘s showpiece tournament.
Portugal will secure qualification to the 2026 World Cup with a win at the Aviva Stadium, while Ireland have work to do to finish second in Group F.
The Irish sit third and four points behind Hungary in the race for second and a spot in the UEFA playoffs in March.
Why is Fernandes not playing for Portugal?
Fernandes is suspended from Portugal‘s clash in Dublin.
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The 31-year-old midfielder is serving a one-match ban for picking up too many bookings.
He received his third yellow card in the World Cup qualifiers during Portugal’s last game against Hungary, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Consequently, he was not included in the lineup for the game against Ireland.
In his absence, Ruben Neves will start after scoring a stoppage-time winner against Ireland in Lisbon last month.
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Fernandes has made eight consecutive starts under Martinez and will be available again for Portugal’s game against Armenia on Sunday.
The last time he was left out was in Portugal’s 1-1 draw against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League last November.
United fans will welcome Fernandes being rested, with the club captain showing signs of fatigue in the 2-2 draw at Tottenham last weekend.
