Rosario worth three, adds muscle to injury-hit FC Porto | OneFootball

The wave of injuries that is affecting FC Porto's squad is forcing Francesco Farioli and the SAD to optimize resources and highlights the importance of a specific element of the available roster for the Italian coach: Pablo Rosario.

The 3.75 million euros paid to Nice for the defensive midfielder could turn out to be a modest investment in the short term, given the enormous utility and versatility that the Dominican international has already demonstrated on the field.

In the match against Nacional on Saturday, the number 13 occupied the right-back position. Without a dazzling performance, Rosario performed the function competently, repeating situations he had already experienced in 2023/24 at Nice, with Farioli in charge. Pablo's versatility, however, can go further.

The current situation of the squad led by the Italian coach is delicate. Even with the return of Tomás Pérez to the youth teams, there are only 16 outfield players from the main team in full physical condition. Names like Gabriel Brás, Pedro Lima, André Miranda, and Alarcón, among other possible solutions, stretch a blanket that, for now, is short - and here Rosario becomes relevant again. The 28-year-old midfielder can also act as a central defender, something that has happened occasionally at his previous club and at PSV Eindhoven. In tight phases, Pablo Rosario can equate to three options: from midfield to the defensive axis, through the right corridor.

As for the preparation for Friday's trip to Rio Ave's stronghold, in the 6th round of the League, there is at least one positive news for Farioli. Everything points to William Gomes recovering from the muscle injury that kept him out of the reception to Nacional in time to face the vila-condenses. The Brazilian winger saw his excellent form interrupted by a problem in his left leg, contracted in the training match with Lusitânia de Lourosa a week ago.

The injury was not considered very serious and recovery for the day before yesterday's match was considered, but Farioli preferred not to risk it. With three consecutive trips (Rio Ave, Salzburg, and Arouca), it is timely for William to return.

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