Injuries across the pitch force changes at FC Porto | OneFootball

A brilliant start is being compromised by the 'wave of injuries' that has hit FC Porto's squad. This is the main concern of Francesco Farioli, on the eve of the match against Nacional. The break for international commitments, which usually gives some relief to coaches regarding players who remain at the clubs, had the opposite effect at Dragão.

In recent days, several key players whom the Italian coach relied on have suffered injuries, forcing him to make last-minute changes to the lineup he will present in the 5th round.

The goalkeeping position is the only sector that remains immune to physical setbacks, with Diogo Costa maintaining his status as indisputable. Beyond that, Farioli has several headaches as he tries to fit the best pieces to compose the starting eleven.

In defense, Alberto Costa is the main absence, as he was the only available right-back at the start of the season. Martim Fernandes, the other player capable of playing in that position, was injured right in the opening round against Vitória SC, and everything indicates that Farioli will have to resort to an alternative solution.

Pepê returned after an eye injury that kept him out of the Clássico at Alvalade and can occupy a position in which he was used in the past by Sérgio Conceição. Pedro Lima, a Brazilian signing from Wolverhampton for the B team, and Dinis Rodrigues, a homegrown talent, also appear as options.

Another possibility is the inclusion of Jakub Kiwior in the eleven. The latest reinforcement for the Dragons has trained only a few sessions, but the partnership with compatriot Jan Bednarek in the Polish national team might lead Farioli to take a risk.

In midfield, there are two concerns: Gabri Veiga and Stephen Eustáquio are expected to miss the duel with Nacional, although the Spaniard is already doing light training. Pablo Rosario, a trusted man for Farioli since their time at Nice, might earn his first start.

In attack, Luuk de Jong and William Gomes are out of the running for tomorrow's match, which should lead the Italian coach to keep Rodrigo Mora in the eleven. Borja Sainz remains an untouchable option for Farioli in supporting the striker, Samu.

All things considered, looking at the main squad, there are currently six players under the care of FC Porto's medical department.

William Gomes, Luuk De Jong, Alberto Costa, Stephen Eustáquio, Gabri Veiga, and Martim Fernandes are affected by this 'wave of injuries', with the most severe cases being the Dutch international and the young full-back trained at Olival.

Remember that the match between FC Porto and Nacional is scheduled for 6:00 PM tomorrow, Saturday, for the 5th round of the I Liga. One certainty remains: Farioli will have to change his initial options.

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