Now! Rui Borges brings three new faces as Sporting return to training | OneFootball

The main squad of Sporting returned to work this Wednesday at the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy in Alcochete. Rui Borges led another training session in preparation for the match against Casa Pia. The coach had to manage the available assets, relying on homegrown talent to complete the group.

Due to numerous medical absences, the coaching staff called up three young prospects from the academy to join the exercises. João Muniz, Rafael Nel, and Lucas Anjos were the big surprises on the field, working alongside the senior players.

Regarding the medical report, Zeno Debast remains under the care of the Performance Unit. However, the recovery of the Belgian international central defender is in its final stages. There is a possibility that the 'number 6' will be reintegrated soon, although he remains a doubt for the squad against Casa Pia.

The list of unavailable players remains extensive, limiting the options for the reception of the geese. Pedro Gonçalves, Fotis Ioannidis, Salvador Blopa, Nuno Santos, Ricardo Mangas, and Eduardo Quaresma are still absent, restricted to treatment or gym work. The green and white team will train again tomorrow, Thursday morning, behind closed doors, to finalize the strategy. Rui Borges will preview the Sporting - Casa Pia match at 12:30 PM, also at the Academy.

The 18th round match of the Liga Portugal Betclic is scheduled for Friday, January 16th. The game will kick off at 8:15 PM at the José Alvalade Stadium, where the current second-place team seeks to earn three crucial points in their pursuit of the national championship lead.

Recall Morten Hjulmand's goal against Casa Pia in the first round:

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