Sporting ask the national team not to call up Rui Borges signing | OneFootball

Sporting continue to handle Moncef Zekri carefully and have already contacted the Moroccan Football Federation so that the full-back can remain in Alcochete during the next FIFA break. The idea is to use that period to complete the specific muscle-strengthening programme currently being developed.

According to Record, Sporting’s officials believe this phase is important so that the 17-year-old can better cope with the physical demands of the Portuguese league. The plan was explained to Zekri himself as well as to the Moroccan federation structure.

Despite already having featured for Mechelen’s first team and having played in the match against Gent before moving to Alvalade, the youngster had some physical issues last season. Sporting now want to reduce the risk of setbacks as much as possible and prepare the player for integration without limitations.

At Alvalade, there is no urgency to speed up the process. Maxi Araújo remains the main option at left-back, and Rui Borges also has alternatives for the position, including Rodrigo Dias, who took part in pre-season and has already made his first-team debut against Estrela da Amadora.

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