João Simões hears home truths before Sporting match | OneFootball

João Simões is expected to lose his starting position in Sporting's match against Estrela da Amadora, being replaced by Hidemasa Morita in the clash with the tricolors. The Japanese midfielder is experiencing a season of ups and downs in 2025/26, but he continues to earn Rui Borges' trust.

The information had already been reported by Leonino, and is now confirmed by the national press. Rui Borges will make few changes compared to the match against Club Brugge, which counts for the Champions League, but one of the changes will be in the midfield.

João Simões, who is dealing with some pain in his left foot, according to the newspaper Record, will make way for Hidemasa Morita in Sporting's starting 11 for the match against Estrela da Amadora. Thus, the duo composed of the Japanese and Morten Hjulmand returns to action, having been frequently used in recent seasons.

It should be noted that this has been an inconsistent season for Hidemasa Morita, who missed the start of the season for the lions, in the matches against Porto and Famalicão. The Japanese international midfielder has not been a starter in the league since October 5, in the match against Braga, and has only played a full match once this season, in the victory against Marinhense.

Living what is very likely his last season with the lions, Hidemasa Morita is once again an option for Rui Borges. The green and white coach is, in fact, an avowed admirer of the Japanese player's qualities, and one of the reasons Sporting wants to keep the player in the winter market.

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