Rui Borges updates on Sporting injuries, admits uncertainty | OneFootball

Diomande and Maxi Araújo left injured from Sporting's first match against Casa Pia, with both players being unavailable for Rui Borges in the thrashing against Arouca. In the preview of the match against Nacional, counting for the 4th round of Liga Portugal, the Sporting coach briefly addressed the availability of the two defenders, also discussing the situation of set-piece takers at the Alvalade Club.

"Diomande and Maxi? It's a race against time. We are trying our best to have them for the upcoming matches. I can't say what might happen for the next game," stated Rui Borges when asked about the availability of the two athletes for the match at Choupana.

When asked about the presence of a player in the Sporting squad ready to take direct free-kicks, Rui Borges was not specific: "I hope so... There are several players who have the ability to respond in those set-piece scenarios. Pote, Trincão, Zeno... Depending on the kick, the moments, the inspiration, which counts a lot... Areas of the field."

Recognizing the variables that exist in taking free-kicks, Rui Borges expressed confidence in his players, stating that all are capable of responding to these situations: "We try to control that as much as possible, but they are great players and all are capable of responding at all times."

Sporting will return to the field next Saturday, August 23rd, against Nacional, in a match valid for the third round of the Liga Portugal Betclic. The duel between the lions and the islanders will be played at 18:00, at Choupana, in Madeira.

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