Bruno Fernandes has been one of the few bright sparks in a dismal season for Manchester United.
The Man Utd skipper has been particularly influential in recent months, scoring eight goals and assisting two in his last eight games for the Red Devils. In fact, the 1-1 draw with Burnley last time out was the first game in which he failed to score since late March.
While the Portuguese’s brilliance hasn’t been able to lift Man Utd out of crisis, he has certainly prevented Erik ten Hag’s side from completely capitulating in the closing weeks of the campaign. However, they may have to do without their talisman against Crystal Palace on Monday night.
Here is the latest injury news on Fernandes ahead of a crucial Gameweek 36 in FPL.
What injury does Bruno Fernandes have?
Fernandes is a doubt for the trip to Crystal Palace / Visionhaus/GettyImages
Fernandes seldom misses matches in a Man Utd shirt, starting 33 of the club’s 34 matches in the Premier League this season. The only match he was absent for was the goalless draw with Liverpool earlier this term due to suspension.
However, despite stating in his pre-match press conference that Fernandes is a doubt for Man Utd’s clash with Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Monday night, Ten Hag didn’t allude to the exact nature of the midfielder’s fitness concern.
Therefore, it’s anyone’s guess what might be preventing Fernandes from featuring against the Eagles, although Ten Hag refused to completely rule him out of the trip to Selhurst Park.
What has Erik ten Hag said about Bruno Fernandes’ injury?
Fernandes will be a big miss for Man Utd / Visionhaus/GettyImages
While Ten Hag discussed Fernandes’ potential absence on Monday night, the Dutch coach admitted he may well be available in some capacity.
Speaking in his press conference, Ten Hag stated: “After the game, we had an issue with Bruno so he is a doubt for Monday, but he will fight to be a part of this game, as we know with Bruno. Never rule him out for any game and he is giving his best to be available.”
Ten Hag also admitted Scott McTominay and Jonny Evans are major doubts, while the likes of Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane are all unavailable.
Bruno Fernandes alternatives in FPL Gameweek 36
Phil Foden is a great option for FPL managers / Mike Hewitt/GettyImages
As things stand, only five midfielders are more expensive than Fernandes (£8.5m) in FPL. The Man Utd man has accumulated 161 points this season and, while that is a respectable total, nine midfielders have better tallies.
However, in his last seven games, Fernandes has managed 67 points, including a recent 18-point haul against Sheffield United. Despite his recent performances, there are still plenty of great options for managers looking to replace the 29-year-old.
One of the obvious choices is Phil Foden (£8.4m), who should return from injury for a home clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers. He has returned 36 points in the last two matches he has played, although he hasn’t appeared in three of Manchester City’s last five games.
Kai Havertz (£7.5m) is another fantastic shout at home to Bournemouth this weekend, with 27 points from recent clashes with Chelsea and Tottenham. The Arsenal midfielder will also save managers £1.0m compared to Fernandes.
While 48.9% of managers already have him in their teams, one of the other obvious picks is Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (£6.2m). The youngster has been in terrific form this season and faces West Ham in Gameweek 36 before a double gameweek in which the Blues face Nottingham Forest and Brighton.