If needed, Sporting could spring a big surprise against Tondela | OneFootball

Sporting’s injury situation remains far from improving and is heavily affecting Rui Borges’ choices for the clash against Tondela. The list of absentees is extensive and includes key players such as Iván Fresneda, Gonçalo Inácio, João Simões, Morten Hjulmand and Fotis Ioannidis, along with major doubts like Georgios Vagiannidis, Ousmane Diomande and Daniel Bragança.

In this context, putting together the starting eleven is a real headache. Goalkeeper is still one of the few certainties, with Rui Silva set to start. At right-back, however, there are serious problems: with Fresneda out and Vagiannidis not fully fit, Salvador Blopa could be the surprise option, a youngster who has not played since December but made a good impression in the League Cup against Alverca.

In central defence, Diomande’s possible absence leaves Eduardo Quaresma and Zeno Debast as virtually the only natural options. On the left, Maxi Araújo is expected to return to the starting lineup after being managed physically, replacing Ricardo Mangas.

Midfield is also limited: without Hjulmand and with Bragança doubtful, the pairing should once again be Hidemasa Morita and Giorgi Kochorashvili. In attack, Geny Catamo could return on the right, with Francisco Trincão in support and the possibility of Rafael Nel springing another surprise as a starter, given the fatigue of Luis Suárez.

, although he is expected to start on the bench. The final decision on the lineup will be made at the last minute, in day-to-day management that clearly reflects the delicate moment in Sporting’s squad.

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