Fernandez injury update after dazzling debut
Manchester United loanee Alvaro Fernandez made a huge impact on his first start for Preston North End.
The young Spaniard was named in the XI by manager Ryan Lowe for the Carabao Cup tie at Huddersfield Town, after coming off the bench in the first two games of the season: 0-0 draws with Wigan Athletic and Hull City.
Fernandez supplied two similar assists for Ali McCann with accurate balls into the box from the wide areas in his wing-back role.
Preston ran out 4-1 victors to comfortably progress into the second round but the United man was withdrawn at half-time due to injury.
🇪🇸 Álvaro Fernández with two assists on his first start this evening! 🤩#pnefc pic.twitter.com/9frgb74rR1
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) August 9, 2022
“We knew him and [former Red] Robbie [Brady] down that left-hand side are going to challenge each other right the way through the season," Lowe told Preston's official website. "They give you two different things, but we always felt this was going to be Alvaro’s night tonight to unleash him.
“He was fantastic, his balls into the box. I think, at one point, he looked a little bit shattered because he hasn’t played much game-time.
"He’s fine, he rolled his ankle a little bit, it’s more precaution, we waited till half-time and assessed him, he’ll be absolutely fine.
“He might be a little bit stiff tomorrow but he’ll be okay Thursday, Friday," Lowe added. "I'm really pleased with his performance, along with everyone else’s to be honest with you, I thought they were fantastic.”
During his press conference, the North End boss admitted he feels he has got a quality player on his hands after striking the loan deal with United.
"He's an immaculate kid though, isn't he?" said Lowe. "Everything about him. He's asked questions on a daily basis, is playing a different role to what he is probably used to at Manchester United - as a left wing-back for us, not left-back.
"The competition with him and Robbie Brady down that side, let's have it right, he is learning off one of the best - who has played in the Premiership.
"He is educating him all the time, even before the game and after the game. He is a fantastic talent - you don't play for Real Madrid and Manchester United if you are not any good. We knew that when we saw him, we knew he'd bring something different to us and he certainly did that tonight."
Next up for the Lilywhites is a Championship clash with Luton Town, at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.