With Luis Suárez out, Sporting have a secret weapon ready | OneFootball

A Sporting international returns from national team duty and could take on a central role in attack. He will only be available close to the match against Santa Clara. Even so, everything suggests he will start. Luis Suárez’s absence due to suspension further increases the importance of the creative player. The team loses an important attacking reference point. That opens the door to a different solution in the starting eleven.

This is Francisco Trincão, who arrives motivated after international commitments. The player - who has several interested clubs - has been decisive throughout the season. The numbers show a direct impact whenever he is involved in goals.

In the league, the winger has goals and assists that have coincided with Sporting wins. Whenever he has been directly involved, the final result has been positive. The last time that did not happen was in the 4-4 draw in Guimarães last season. That record strengthens the confidence of the coaching staff, led by Rui Borges.

With more minutes than any other player in the squad (3,576), Trincão is maintaining a high level. His place in the starting eleven seems practically guaranteed. So, the Portugal international is preparing to lead the attack in the next match against Santa Clara.

This season, playing for Sporting, Francisco Trincão – valued at €35 million – has made 42 appearances: 26 in the Liga Portugal Betclic, nine in the Champions League, five in the Portuguese Cup, one in the League Cup and another in the Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup. In 3,576 minutes played, the forward has scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists.

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