Porto relieved as Martim Fernandes sidelined, out of Estoril and a doubt for Nottingham | OneFootball

Porto have avoided the worst after Martim Fernandes sustained a moderate right ankle sprain, yet he will miss the trip to Estoril and is a serious doubt for the European decider in Nottingham. According to O Jogo, the problem is less severe than first feared.

His night turned early, at 13 seconds, when an own goal allowed Nottingham to level. Six minutes later he was injured in a freak incident, struck by Ndoye after the forward had been fouled by Gabri Veiga, and he departed in pain, replaced by Alberto Costa.

Scans detected only a moderate sprain and ruled out significant ligament damage, something Francesco Farioli had initially feared. The coach said he is out on Sunday for sure, and they will try to recover him for next Thursday.

His absence hands Farioli an extra headache during a period of careful workload management. On the right, Alberto Costa is available, with Pablo Rosario and Pepê also previously tried in the role.

At Amoreira, Alberto is expected to start, while in England the coach may improvise if he wants to avoid overloading the former Juventus player.

The setback also affects the left, where Martim has often filled in. Since the Benfica match on eight March, Zaidu has started, the last time Moura featured, so Farioli could either restore the Portuguese full-back or move Kiwior.

Team-mates, including Fofana and Bednarek, rallied round him on the pitch after the error. The support continued in the dressing room and the following morning at Olival as treatment began, with captain Diogo Costa by his side and a pledge from the group to do everything to progress.

Source: O Jogo