Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Manchester United have a “hard call to make” with Bruno Fernandes at the upcoming international break.
The Portugal midfielder could be forced to forced to quarantine for 10 days upon his return, with his home country being on the UK’s Covid-19 travel “red list”.
World governing body Fifa has said clubs can refuse to release players if they are required to quarantine for more than five days on their return with Solskjaer admitting that could be an option.
“We have not sat down and made a proper call on that one but it doesn’t make sense if you lose your player for 10 days’ isolation,” Solskjaer said after Wednesday’s draw at Crystal Palace.
“We are the ones paying the players… Fifa have given the rule that they don’t have to be released, so it is going to be a hard call to make to let them play in red-list countries.”
Portugal are due to play Azerbaijan, Serbia and Luxembourg in World Cup qualifiers on 24, 27 and 30 respectively, meaning Fernandes would not be back in UK any earlier than 31 March.
That means Fernandes could miss United’s home game against Brighton on 3 April, the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final on 8 April (if United beat Milan in the last 16) and the away game at Tottenham on 10 April if he has to isolate for 10 days upon his return.
“I want Bruno ready for Brighton and hopefully we will be through in Europe and against Tottenham after that break,” Solskjaer added.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has also hinted that he could prevent his players from playing – with Fernadnes’ compatriot Diogo Jota also likely to earn a call-up along with Alisson, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita set to play in “red list” countries.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/2On0mDS
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