Sporting CP is intensifying preparations for a crucial derby against rivals Benfica this Friday, even as four key players remain sidelined with injuries.
The highly anticipated 13th-round league match, dubbed “Operation Derby” internally, will be held at Benfica’s Estádio da Luz. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:15 PM local time in Lisbon (UTC).
Coach Rui Borges is leading the team’s preparations.
The club confirmed that Nuno Santos, Daniel Bragança, Debast, and Ioannidis are all still out due to various knee injuries. They continue under the care of Sporting’s Performance Unit.
Nuno Santos is recovering from a patellar tendon rupture in his right knee. Daniel Bragança sustained a total rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Debast is dealing with a left knee injury, and Ioannidis has a medial collateral ligament injury in his right knee.
In a positive development, Fresneda and Gonçalo Inácio have been cleared as physically fit. Both players had reported minor complaints during the recent 4-0 victory over Estrela da Amadora.
Fresneda, who was substituted after experiencing right ankle discomfort, and Gonçalo Inácio, who felt a knock on his right leg, participated in recovery work at the professional wing of the club’s academy gym on Monday.
The team underwent a recovery session on Monday following their decisive win. Players who started the match focused on recuperation, while other squad members trained normally.
Sporting’s squad will have a day off before resuming closed-door training on Wednesday morning to finalize preparations for the upcoming derby.