Sporting star could miss the entire World Cup group stage | OneFootball

Zeno Debast is still recovering from a muscle injury, and the possibility of missing the entire World Cup group stage is becoming increasingly likely. Despite the absence of the Sporting defender, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia remains calm, as he has alternatives for the defensive sector.

At this stage, the main uncertainty concerns when the Belgian international will be able to return to competition. The player is still training under restrictions and following an individual recovery plan, without clearance to do any work with the ball.

The centre-back has been limited to specific physical exercises, splitting his work between cycling on the sidelines of the pitch and muscle-strengthening sessions in the gym. The progress of his recovery continues to be closely monitored by the national team's medical staff.

It should be recalled that the player suffered a muscle injury on May 11, in the final stretch of the season, on the eve of the match against Rio Ave. Although the estimated recovery period pointed to around six weeks, he was included in Belgium’s squad for the World Cup after undergoing further tests in his home country.

This season, Zeno Debast — valued at €28 million — made 24 official appearances in a Sporting shirt. The Belgian international recorded just 1,506 minutes of playing time, with two assists to his name but no goals.

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