Bielsa gives Sporting unexpected 'help' with Zalazar | OneFootball

Rodrigo Zalazar finished the World Cup without playing a single minute for Uruguay, but that situation could benefit Sporting. The 26-year-old midfielder has a good chance of returning to Portugal earlier to begin integrating into Rui Borges’ squad.

Although there is still no official date for his return, everything suggests the Uruguay international could cut short his holiday to join the Lions’ training camp, which will take place between July 11 and 20 in Lagos. The idea is to speed up his adaptation to the group and start earning a place among the coach’s options.

Marcelo Bielsa’s decision not to use him came as a surprise, especially considering the numbers Zalazar put up last season, when he recorded 23 goals and eight assists. Sporting believe that arriving physically fresh could be an advantage in tackling pre-season at maximum intensity.

Signed from Braga for €30 million, Zalazar became the most expensive transfer in Sporting’s history. The midfielder arrives at Alvalade with the mission of justifying the investment and fitting into a deeply revamped midfield, which already includes Issa Doumbia, Silas Andersen, Pedro Lima and Sergi Altimira.

For now, the player is still enjoying his holiday with his wife and son, trying to get over the frustration of not being used at the World Cup. When he returns to Portugal, he will finally have the chance to wear the green-and-white shirt and officially begin his adventure at Sporting, since the announcement of his signing came without any images of Zalazar in the Lions’ kit.

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