Hjulmand doubtful for Sporting v Santa Clara, new starter possible | OneFootball

Morten Hjulmand is one of Sporting’s main doubts for the match against Santa Clara, after returning from the Danish national team with a viral infection. The 26-year-old midfielder will be reassessed and, if he is physically fit, should be included in Rui Borges’ starting eleven.

Even so, if the Sporting captain is not fully recovered, the coach may opt for an alternative solution, with Zeno Debast taking on duties in midfield. The Belgian international was already used in that position last season, in an adaptation considered successful by the coaching staff.

The 22-year-old player’s passing quality and shooting ability are seen as arguments for performing the role usually entrusted to Hjulmand. In addition, the Dane will miss the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against Arsenal due to an accumulation of yellow cards, which strengthens the possibility of testing that solution in a competitive setting.

Another factor on the table is the midfielder’s physical management. Morten Hjulmand started in Denmark’s elimination against Czechia, in a match decided only after extra time and a penalty shootout, accumulating significant fatigue.

Therefore, even if he is chosen by Rui Borges for Sporting’s starting eleven, it cannot be ruled out that the captain will be substituted during the match, if the result allows it, as part of a plan to preserve him for the decisive stage of the season.

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