Rui Borges has four defensive issues, answer may be in Sporting B | OneFootball

Rui Borges has a real equation to solve in Sporting's defense ahead of the away trip to Braga, scheduled for October 9. With one week to go before the match, the Lions' coach is dealing with several constraints and still does not know which defensive line he will be able to count on at the Pedreira.

Zeno Debast is confirmed out due to suspension, while Georgios Vagiannidis is recovering from a muscle injury and remains doubtful for the match. Maxi Araújo will only return to Portugal virtually on the eve of the game, and Ibrahima Ba is still undergoing treatment for a problem in his right knee.

Given this scenario, the defensive line currently gaining the most traction is made up of Iván Fresneda, Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio and Rodrigo Dias. The young left-back from the B team could therefore return to the starting lineup after completing the full 90 minutes on the opening matchday against Estrela da Amadora.

Rodrigo Dias's involvement will depend above all on Maxi Araújo's physical condition. The Uruguayan only finishes his international commitments on Tuesday, against India, after a long tour of Asia, so Rui Borges may choose not to risk starting him.

There is also room for changes in central defense. Eduardo Quaresma and Gonçalo Inácio are the safest options, but Ibrahima Ba is still working with the aim of recovering in time. The center-back continues treatment in the gym, and Sporting's structure remains hopeful of having him available for the match against the Minho side.

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