Debast injury worse than expected, Sporting fear the worst | OneFootball

Zeno Debast’s physical condition continues to raise concern in Belgium. The Sporting defender has yet to play a single minute at the 2026 World Cup and remains out of training on the pitch, and may even be unable to start Sporting’s pre-season.

According to the Belgian press, the international will undergo an MRI scan on his right leg to assess the progress of the physical issue. The defender was also not an option for the match against New Zealand (5-1), remaining out of Rudi García’s plans.

The possibility of the centre-back missing the rest of the World Cup is also beginning to gain traction in Belgium, a scenario being closely monitored in Alvalade. Sporting want the player to make a full recovery in time to officially begin the new season.

It should be remembered that Rui Borges had already expressed surprise when Zeno Debast was called up for the competition, given that the defender finished the 2025/26 season physically hampered and not yet fully recovered from his injury.

This season, Zeno Debast - valued at €28 million - made 24 official appearances for Sporting. 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.