International breaks are always a tricky period for club managers, and this early-season window is no exception.
Teams across Europe are keeping a close eye on their players as they head out for national duty, hoping everyone returns unscathed.
The opening weeks of the season are crucial, and even a minor injury now could have knock-on effects in the months ahead.
Clubs like Manchester United cannot afford setbacks to key players.
Fitness concerns are already shaping discussions behind the scenes at Old Trafford, with Ruben Amorim hoping his squad navigates the break safely.
Unfortunately, Manchester United may have already received unwelcome news from Portugal.
Portugal’s football association, the FPF, has announced via their website that Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot has pulled out of the national squad.
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The fullback is reportedly experiencing muscle discomfort and has been cleared to leave by the team’s medical staff.
The announcement gives little detail on the severity of the issue, but it is clearly serious enough to prevent Diogo Dalot from featuring in Roberto Martinez’s fixtures over the international break.
In Dalot’s place, Nuno Tavares has been called up to Portugal’s squad, providing cover while the United right-back recovers.
For Amorim, this represents a concern as Dalot has been a consistent presence at right-back, often combining defensive solidity with attacking support down the flank.
Losing him for even a short period could affect rotation plans, particularly with a busy schedule of Premier League matches looming.
Manchester United will now be closely monitoring the situation, liaising with Portugal’s medical team to assess the full extent of the injury.
The hope is that Dalot avoids any long-term issues and can return to Old Trafford fully fit ahead of the next string of fixtures.
While it is still early in the season, squad depth will be tested if key players like Diogo Dalot are sidelined.
This marks the second Manchester United player to withdraw from international duty during this break, following Matheus Cunha, who also pulled out of Brazil’s squad due to injury.
Supporters will be keeping a keen eye on updates in the coming days, as any extended absence could influence team selection, tactical setups, and defensive stability.
United’s defensive options may be stretched, and Amorim will need to plan carefully to maintain momentum in the league and in Europe.
