FIFA virus hits Nations League: Bruno Fernandes, Gakpo and Dorgu latest injury victims

The international break has barely started and it is already leaving a trail of injuries across European football. The so-called FIFA virus has hit hard in the Nations League: Bruno Fernandes, Cody Gakpo and Patrick Dorgu are the latest names on a list that keeps growing with every round of fixtures.

• Bruno Fernandes missed Portugal's game against Norway due to a possible serious muscle injury.
• Cody Gakpo was injured with the Netherlands against Serbia and is awaiting tests.
• Patrick Dorgu suffered a hamstring problem with Denmark against Wales.
• The Netherlands-Germany match produced three casualties: Havertz, Brobbey and Musiala.
• Alexander Isak also raised alarm bells at Liverpool with a thigh problem.

Bruno Fernandes out for Portugal as a precaution over muscle injury

The Manchester United captain did not feature in Portugal's match against Norway. Bruno Fernandes is carrying discomfort and the Portuguese coaching staff, together with the medical team, decided not to take any risks given the possibility of a more serious muscle injury. His case reflects the cautious approach many national teams are taking with players who arrive overloaded with minutes.

Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala: a double blow for two title contenders

Germany were one of the worst-hit national teams in this international window, and it showed on the debut of Jürgen Klopp in the dugout. Kai Havertz suffered a strain during the Netherlands-Germany match that could keep him out for around a month. He was not the only German setback: Jamal Musiala picked up a confirmed muscle tear in training and will be sidelined for three to four weeks. Two significant absences for Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

Liverpool and Manchester United, the clubs worst affected by the FIFA virus

Liverpool are, so far, one of the teams paying the highest price for the break. They lost two key attacking pieces: Alexander Isak, who came off with Sweden due to a thigh problem, and Cody Gakpo, who went down with the Netherlands in the match against Serbia with a muscle injury pending tests. Both cases will force the coaching staff to reshuffle the forward line at the start of the season.

United pick up two setbacks in the same window

Manchester United are also paying a heavy price. In addition to Bruno Fernandes' absence with Portugal, Danish defender Patrick Dorgu suffered a hamstring problem in the Denmark-Wales clash. Two internationals affected within a matter of days for a side that needs consistency in this early stage of the campaign.

More names in the treatment room: Brobbey, Trossard and Ballard join the list

The list of casualties goes far beyond the big stars. Brian Brobbey came off in the Netherlands-Germany match with a possible muscle tear, worrying news for Sunderland. At the same club, Dan Ballard, a Northern Ireland international, was injured against Georgia. Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard, who left Arsenal for Besiktas, pulled out of the Belgium camp with a muscle problem and is waiting for tests to determine the full extent of the issue.

Mbappé: the scare that turned into relief for Real Madrid

Real Madrid held their breath on Friday when Kylian Mbappé came off in the France-Turkey match. The striker suffered a hyperextension in his left knee, but initial assessments suggest it is not serious and he will be fit again once the international break is over. A relief for the Spanish side amid a week full of bad news.

Two Nations League rounds, a massive cost for clubs

Only two rounds of the Nations League have been played and the injury count is already disproportionate. The fixture congestion, travel demands and competitive intensity turn every international window into a lottery for clubs, who see their squads decimated within days. The calendar debate is firmly back on the table.