Awful week for João Palhinha could take him closer to Sporting | OneFootball

João Palhinha’s week got off to the worst possible start. The Portuguese midfielder was left out of Roberto Martínez’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, in a decision in which the national team coach ultimately favored the youth of Samu Costa over the experience of the former Sporting player.

On top of the international disappointment, the midfielder remains caught up in Tottenham’s battle to stay in the Premier League.

On Tuesday, just a few hours after learning of Roberto Martínez’s decision, the Portuguese international started in Spurs’ 2-1 defeat to Chelsea. A draw would have been enough to mathematically secure survival, but the loss pushed everything to the final matchday.

Tottenham therefore head into the last game of the season with 38 points, just two ahead of West Ham, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo. On Sunday, Spurs host Everton, while the Hammers face Leeds.

Even so, the numbers still favor the London side. West Ham must win and at the same time hope for a Tottenham defeat, since any tie on points would favor Spurs due to goal difference. In other words, a draw for Palhinha’s side — or even a slip-up from the Hammers — will be enough to guarantee their place in the English top flight.

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