Injuries across the pitch force changes at FC Porto | OneFootball

A blazing start that is being compromised by the ‘wave of injuries’ that has hit FC Porto’s squad. This is the main concern for Francesco Farioli, on the eve of the match against Nacional. The break for international fixtures, which usually brings some relief to coaches regarding the players who remain at the clubs, had the opposite effect at Dragão.

In recent days, several key players trusted by the Italian coach have suffered injuries, forcing him to make last-minute changes to the lineup he will present in the 5th round.

The goal is the only area that remains immune to physical setbacks, with Diogo Costa retaining his status as an undisputed starter. Beyond that, Farioli has several headaches as he tries to fit the best pieces together to form the starting eleven.

In defense, Alberto Costa is the main absence, as he was the only right-back available at the start of the season. Martim Fernandes, the other player capable of playing in that position, was injured right in the opening round, against Vitória SC, and everything points to Farioli having to resort to an alternative solution.

Pepê returned after an eye injury that kept him out of the Clássico at Alvalade and may take up a position in which he was used in the past by Sérgio Conceição. Pedro Lima, a Brazilian reinforcement signed from Wolverhampton for the B team, and Dinis Rodrigues, a homegrown product, also appear as options.

Another possibility is the inclusion of Jakub Kiwior in the starting eleven. The Dragons’ latest signing has had only a few training sessions, but his partnership with compatriot Jan Bednarek in the Polish national team may prompt Farioli to take a risk.

In midfield, there are two concerns: Gabri Veiga and Stephen Eustáquio are expected to miss the clash with Nacional, although the Spaniard is already doing some light training. Pablo Rosario, a trusted man for Farioli since their time at Nice, may earn his first start.

In attack, Luuk de Jong and William Gomes are out of the running for tomorrow’s match, which should lead the Italian coach to keep Rodrigo Mora in the lineup. Borja Sainz remains an untouchable option for Farioli in supporting the striker, Samu.

All things considered, looking at the main squad, there are currently six players under the care of FC Porto’s medical department.

William Gomes, Luuk De Jong, Alberto Costa, Stephen Eustáquio, Gabri Veiga, and Martim Fernandes are the ones affected by this ‘wave of injuries’, with the most serious cases being the Dutch international and the young full-back developed at Olival.

It is worth recalling that the match between FC Porto and Nacional is scheduled for 6:00 pm tomorrow, Saturday, as part of the 5th round of the Primeira Liga. One thing remains certain: Farioli will have to change his initial options.

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