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Bernardo Silva Bruno FernandesGetty
Richard Martin

Explained: Why Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva & Bruno Fernandes left Portugal camp early and will miss friendly vs Slovenia

Portugal
Manchester City
Manchester United
Portugal vs Sweden
B. Silva
R. Dias
Premier League
Match
B. Fernandes

Manchester City duo Ruben Dias & Bernardo Silva and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes have been allowed to leave Portugal's camp early.

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peacock logo image for promo

Peacock Premium

✅ Streams roughly 175 exclusive live matches per season that are completely blacked out on traditional TV.

✅ Acts as the league's US archive, providing full on-demand match replays shortly after every live broadcast concludes.

✅ Streams the popular "Goal Rush" whip-around show, which jumps between live highlights during the packed Saturday 10:00 a.m. ET window.

Monthly from$12.99
Budget Cord-Cutter
Sling Blue Promo Panel logo

Sling TV

✅ Provides nationwide access to USA Network, securing the primary cable home for the league's linear broadcasts.

✅ Includes access to live, local NBC affiliates for the marquee weekend matches in designated major media markets. 

✅ Serves as the cheapest way to access live cable TV sports channels without paying for a bloated traditional bundle.

Monthly from$45.99
Premium Cable Alternative
DirecTV

DirecTV

✅ Carries both USA Network and your local NBC station, ensuring you get every nationally televised match.

✅ Includes unlimited cloud DVR storage so you can easily record and save early morning fixtures.

✅ Replicates the classic set-top box feel with a familiar channel guide, making it easy to channel-surf on weekend mornings.

Over 28 months$79.99
Exclusive Streaming Home
peacock logo image for promo

Peacock Premium

✅ Streams roughly 175 exclusive live matches per season that are completely blacked out on traditional TV.

✅ Acts as the league's US archive, providing full on-demand match replays shortly after every live broadcast concludes.

✅ Streams the popular "Goal Rush" whip-around show, which jumps between live highlights during the packed Saturday 10:00 a.m. ET window.

Monthly from$12.99

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Dias, Bernardo & Fernandes leave Portugal camp
  • Martinez allows eight players to miss Slovenia friendly
  • 'Hungry and motivated' players to take their places

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Bernardo, Dias and Fernandes were among eight players given permission by coach Roberto Martinez to leave the camp early after the 5-2 friendly win over Sweden. They will not be involved in next Tuesday's match against Slovenia as Martinez shuffles his pack to give other players a chance to prove they are worthy of inclusion in his squad for Euro 2024.

  • WHAT MARTINEZ SAID

    Martinez told a press conference:"It's important to work on different concepts, especially because Slovenia has a very similar structure [to Sweden], also with two strikers, so the players who leave are all taken care of, they are: Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha, Nelson Semedo , Toti Gomes, Rafael Leão, Bruno Fernandes and Goncalo Ramos. There are another eight players who will arrive at a high level for the second game, with hunger and a lot of energy, I hope."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Fernandes, Bernardo and Ruben Dias all completed 90 minutes in the thrashing of Sweden, with the United captain scoring Portugal's second goal. City will be relieved that neither of their Portugal stars picked up injuries after Erling Haaland revealed Pep Guardiola had given his players a firm warning not to over-exert themselves during the international break.

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  • Bernardo Silva Manchester City 2023-24Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD & CITY?

    Bernardo and Dias now have extra time to rest ahead of City's Premier League showdown with title rivals Arsenal while Fernandes has more days to rest ahead of United's next match at Brentford.