Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has emerged a potential injury doubt ahead of their trip to Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Fernandes has remained first choice since the arrival of new manager and compatriot Ruben Amorim, despite a change in shape.
The Portugal international has now taken up something of a more fluid role further up the pitch, playing as one of the three attackers in Amorim's 3-4-3 system.
Fernandes has started all but two of Man United's 21 matches so far this season - the 7-0 EFL Cup win over Barnsley, and the Europa League clash away to Fenerbahce, where he was suspended.
Foot injury leaves Fernandes doubtful
However, the 30-year-old is now a slight doubt for their visit to North London in midweek, after being forced off in the 4-0 win over Everton.
The skipper set up both of Man United's first-half goals against the beleaguered Toffees, but was replaced shortly after the hour by Alejandro Garnacho.
© Imago
Fernandes was then seen sitting on the bench speaking to Rasmus Hojlund with an ice pack around his left foot.
While likely only precautionary, it does throw into question his availability for Wednesday's game.
How big of a miss would Fernandes be?
Being taken off at all suggests that the problem could be a little more serious than first feared, given the fact that Fernandes so often plays 90 minutes.
Apart from against Brighton & Hove Albion in gameweek two, only red cards have seen Fernandes leave the field early this season before Sunday's game.
United were cruising 4-0 up, making the decision easier for Amorim to protect the player, but all eyes will be on him in his press conference ahead of their trip to the Emirates, where he should reveal the status of Fernandes's availability.
Fernandes has four goals and nine assists in his 20 Man United games this season - more goal involvements than any other player.
Andrew Delaney
