Moncef Zekri injured? What's going on with Sporting's new winger | OneFootball

Moncef Zekri is still not an option for Rui Borges and did not take part in Sporting’s training session held this Tuesday, on the eve of their home match against Galatasaray. The left-back, only 17 years old, stayed in the gym following a specific muscle-strengthening plan, at a time when the Club wants the Morocco U17 international to reach the ideal physical levels before being introduced.

Signed from Mechelen for a fixed fee of €3 million, with a further €1 million possible through add-ons, the wide player — who was turned down by Benfica — was officially announced by the Lions on 25 August, but has not yet had any opportunity on the pitch. The young defender was left out of the squads for the wins against Rio Ave and Nacional.

The situation is linked to the need to regain match rhythm and build up fitness. Shortly before the move to Sporting was completed, Zekri had also missed Mechelen’s last two matches, against Standard Liège and Charleroi. The Sporting signing has therefore made just one appearance this season, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 defeat to Gent on the opening matchday of the Belgian league.

The extra caution is also explained by the player’s recent history. Last season, Zekri was unavailable for 14 matches due to physical problems, so Sporting are opting for a gradual integration.

Despite doing specific training work, the left-back is not currently injured, and the priority is to ensure that he reaches the desired level before he starts competing regularly for Rui Borges’ team.

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