19-year-old gem could be Rui Borges' secret weapon in Braga v Sporting | OneFootball

João Simões is very close to returning to competition for Sporting’s first team. Almost six months after his last appearance, the 19-year-old midfielder is now fully recovered and is expected to get some minutes in the away match against Braga, scheduled for October 9.

The new 'number 8' is already training at full capacity under Rui Borges and was even on the bench in the draw against Arouca, although he was not used. The next step should be his effective return to the pitch for the first team.

His last appearance came on April 15, in the goalless draw against Arsenal in the Champions League. After that match, the fifth metatarsal in his right foot gave way again, a problem similar to the one he had already suffered in February 2025 against Dortmund.

João Simões underwent surgery once again, and Sporting decided not to rush any stage of his recovery, even knowing that the youngster would miss the entire pre-season. After overcoming the issue, there followed a period focused on regaining the physical levels required for a player used to performing at high intensity.

The midfielder has already returned to competition for Sporting B, coming on in the 63rd minute of the 2-1 defeat against Lusitânia de Lourosa on September 14.

. Hjulmand, Morita, Daniel Bragança and Kochorashvili left Alvalade, while Altimira, Doumbia, Silas Andersen and Pedro Lima arrived for the position.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.