Injuries across the pitch force changes at FC Porto | OneFootball

A dazzling start that is being compromised by the 'wave of injuries' that has hit FC Porto's squad. That is the main concern of Francesco Farioli, on the eve of the match against Nacional. The break for international duties, which usually gives some relief to coaches regarding the players who remain at the clubs, had the opposite effect at Dragão.

In recent days, several of the pieces that the Italian coach relied on have suffered injuries, forcing him to modify at the last minute the team he will present in the 5th round.

The goal is the only sector that remains immune to physical breakdowns, with Diogo Costa maintaining his undisputed status. Apart from that, Farioli has several headaches as he tries to fit the best pieces to compose the starting eleven.

In defense, Alberto Costa is the main absence, as he was the only right-back available at the start of the season. Martim Fernandes, the other player capable of playing in that position, was injured in the inaugural round, against Vitória SC, and everything points to Farioli having to resort to an alternative solution.

Pepê returned after an eye injury that kept him out of the Classic in Alvalade and may occupy a position in which he was used, in the past, by Sérgio Conceição. Pedro Lima, Brazilian reinforcement signed from Wolverhampton for the B team, and Dinis Rodrigues, a product of the academy, also appear as options.

Another option is the inclusion of Jakub Kiwior in the eleven. The latest reinforcement of the dragons trained few sessions, but the duo with compatriot Jan Bednarek in the Polish national team may lead Farioli to take a risk.

In midfield there are two concerns: Gabri Veiga and Stephen Eustáquio are expected to miss the duel with Nacional, although the Spaniard is already doing conditioned work. Pablo Rosario, a man of trust for Farioli since his time at Nice, may earn his first start.

In attack, Luuk de Jong and William Gomes are out of the race for tomorrow's match, which should lead the Italian coach to keep Rodrigo Mora in the eleven. Borja Sainz continues to be an untouchable option for Farioli in support of the striker, Samu.

After doing the math, looking at the main squad, there are six players currently in the care of FC Porto's medical department.

William Gomes, Luuk De Jong, Alberto Costa, Stephen Eustáquio, Gabri Veiga and Martim Fernandes are the ones affected by this 'wave of injuries', with the most serious cases being the Dutch international and the young full-back trained at Olival.

Remember that the match between FC Porto and Nacional is scheduled for 6:00 pm tomorrow, Saturday, for the 5th round of the I League. One thing is certain: Farioli will have to change his initial choices.

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