Sporting give update on Pote’s fitness | OneFootball

Pedro Gonçalves was chosen to replace Luis Suárez in the match against Famalicão and, although Sporting secured all three points, the Portuguese international faced a demanding individual challenge, playing in a less familiar position.

In the final minutes, the 'number 8' approached the bench to request a substitution and Rui Borges decided to take him off immediately, preventing any risk of a muscle injury. After the match, the coach explained the situation: "He came off with cramps, as he was exhausted. Now he will recover, as he is suspended for the game against Moreirense. He’s coming back from an injury but he’s always a special player who can decide a game at any moment."

After a clinical reassessment carried out right after the final whistle, it became clear that the midfielder only needs rest. Even so, he received his fifth yellow card against the team from Minho and will serve a one-match suspension in the trip to Moreira de Cónegos, where Sporting will face Moreirense.

Pote’s return to competition is therefore scheduled for February 27, in the home match against Estoril, at the José Alvalade Stadium. This break comes at an important stage of the calendar. After the clash with Estoril, Sporting will host Porto in the first leg of the Portuguese Cup semi-finals, set for March 3, followed by a trip to Braga for another league fixture.

In the current sports season, playing for Sporting, Pedro Gonçalves – valued at 30 million euros – has played 25 matches. In the 1,842 minutes played, the footballer has already scored 11 goals and assisted his teammates on six occasions.

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