Rui Calafate hails Sporting star in Munich: a solid option | OneFootball

Rui Calafate denies that Sporting’s defeat against Bayern Munich (3-1) can be seen as a moral victory. However, the communications consultant points out that, taking into account the various absences in the squad, the Lions performed at a good level. Furthermore, he praised João Simões’ performance.

"When you don’t win, there can be no moral victories. But without Trincão, Pote, and Quenda, Sporting did very well in Munich. And they have definitely gained a solid option for the midfield: João Simões," he wrote this Thursday, December 11, in the newspaper Record.

Nuno Santos, Zeno Debast, Pedro Gonçalves, Geovany Quenda, and Francisco Trincão are now the absences for Rui Borges. In the case of Nuno Santos, the left-footer is recovering from a rupture in the patellar tendon of his right knee, Zeno Debast is recovering from a left knee injury. Meanwhile, Pote has suffered another tear in his right thigh, a muscle rupture that will keep him out of play at least until the end of 2025. On the other hand, Geovany Quenda suffered a fracture in his right foot during the derby and is expected to face two months of recovery.

Of the five absent players, the only one who might recover in time for Sporting’s next match is Francisco Trincão. The player was left out of Rui Borges’ squad for the clash with the Bavarians, but it is possible he will return to action this weekend.

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