Diogo Costa, Froholdt, De Jong out: FC Porto set for rotation | OneFootball

Francesco Farioli is preparing changes to the starting eleven for Thursday, with at least two of the starters who played against Estoril set to lose their spots.

Diogo Costa and Froholdt were not called up by Farioli and will be rested, as will Luuk de Jong. Despite the efforts of the medical department led by Nélson Puga, the striker remains limited by a left knee injury and is still not fit to face V. Guimarães.

On the other hand, Deniz Gul took part in a restricted training session yesterday and was included in the squad, as were Karamoh, Ángel Alarcón, and Tomás Pérez, the latter eyeing his season debut. The main question mark is the goalkeeper position: with the captain absent, Cláudio Ramos and João Costa are competing for the spot – the former has played two games in the Portuguese Cup, while the latter has three appearances for the B team.

The decision obviously rests with Farioli, but all indications are that Cláudio has the advantage, not only because he has played fewer matches this 2025/26 season, but also because he is the natural alternative to Diogo Costa.

In defense, Martim Fernandes, Prpic, and Zaidu are vying for a starting spot; in midfield, Stephen Eustáquio is a candidate to replace Froholdt. Gabri Veiga, who was not in the starting lineup against Estoril last Sunday, could regain his place among the starters, as could Pepê, who remained on the bench.

It remains to be decided which of the wingers will keep their place in the starting eleven: William Gomes or Borja Sainz. Up front, given that Gul’s recovery happened at the last minute, Samu may retain his spot – although Rodrigo Mora could also be used as a ‘false 9’.

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