Rui Borges has Ioannidis back, but Sporting start not certain | OneFootball

Fotis Ioannidis returned to training without restrictions and was once again fully involved in Sporting’s session after the lower back issues that kept him out of the match against Alverca. Even so, it is not certain that the Greek forward will return to the starting XI against Rio Ave.

According to newspaper A Bola, the Greece international looked fully integrated on the pitch and is in a position to compete for a starting spot. The main doubt is whether he already has sufficient physical condition to cope with a more demanding match.

Ioannidis has played 135 minutes this season, after featuring for 60 against Estrela da Amadora and 75 against Vitória de Guimarães. In both matches, he was substituted, first by Luis Suárez and then by Silas Andersen.

In the clash with Vitória de Guimarães, Rui Borges even used Fotis Ioannidis and Suárez at the same time between the 60th and 75th minutes. Even so, that solution is expected to remain exceptional, with the two forwards mainly competing for the same place in attack.

Sporting’s squad will train again behind closed doors on Wednesday morning at the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy. By Friday, Rui Borges will have to decide whether to restore the Greek to the starting XI or keep faith with Suárez for the trip to Vila do Conde.

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