Sporting take drastic step with Morita in Estoril clash | OneFootball

Hidemasa Morita returned to Sporting’s starting eleven in the victory against Estoril last Saturday, September 27. The Japanese central midfielder for the Lions was once again among Rui Borges’ initial choices, but he still participated with time limitations, as his physical condition continues to be managed.

According to information reported by the newspaper Record, the substitution of the ‘number 5’ from the Alvalade club was premeditated, as the Japanese international is being saved for the matches against Napoli and Braga and they want the player in good physical shape. As such, the player took to the field with adhesive supports on his left knee.

In order to protect Hidemasa Morita and avoid any physical relapse, Rui Borges chose to substitute his player and brought on Giorgi Kochorashvili to pair up with Morten Hjulmand in Sporting’s midfield, a position he has occupied since the Japanese player’s injury in the third round, against Nacional.

Rui Borges, in his analysis after the match against Estoril: “It was really just about managing Hidemasa Morita’s return. He was destined to come off and only play that amount of time. We chose to start him and then take him off. That was all.”

This season, wearing Sporting’s shirt, Hidemasa Morita – valued at 13 million euros – has played in seven matches. In this start to the season,.

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