Fresh Fotis Ioannidis setback at Sporting causes major problem | OneFootball

Fotis Ioannidis still has no date set for his return to competition due to a problem with his left knee. The 26-year-old striker, signed in the summer from Panathinaikos for €22 million, plus another €3 million in add-ons, remains unavailable for Sporting.

The injury appeared in early November. The Greece international did return about a month later, wearing knee protection, but suffered another setback at the start of 2026. At the end of February he got some minutes in Moreira de Cónegos, but the Performance Unit advised further management, leading the player to return to gym work, after he had already trained on the pitch and done exercises with the ball.

Unable to contribute at this stage of the season, Fotis Ioannidis is going through a difficult period and also feels the burden of increasing Luis Suárez’s attacking responsibility, despite the recent competition from Rafael Nel. During the FIFA break, the striker will focus on physical recovery and mental rest, with the aim of becoming an option again in 2025/26.

The player has been receiving support from Sporting’s structure, which continues to see him as an important asset. In 22 official matches for Sporting, Ioannidis has six goals and three assists, after having made five appearances for Panathinaikos at the start of the season. His breakthrough in Portugal still depends on his physical recovery and careful management.

This season, wearing the Sporting shirt, Fotis Ioannidis – valued at €18 million – has made 22 appearances. The 26-year-old Greece international striker has played 944 minutes, in which he has already recorded six goals and three assists in the green and white hoops.

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