Neto, 33, with central experience, has recovered from tendinopathy in his right thigh and was back on Tuesday back to work without restrictions. After a few weeks of absence, the defender was one of the (good) news at the morning rehearsal, as the Leonine coach received an important defensive trump card with the goal of next Thursday’s match, in Alvalade, against Varzim, in favor of Portugal. cup.
Because Coates, who is still being treated and misses due to a stroke to his right knee, as well as Gonzalo Inacio (he’s completed 180 minutes in his last two Under-21 games, and only today, Wednesday, will he do so. Join the team. group), is gaining a comeback. Neto gives more importance to the strategy put in place by Ruben Amorim, who will take advantage of this match to give minutes and a competitive rhythm to the underused.
Neto increases the range of options and at the moment, barring some setback in the next few hours, appears in the front line to fill one of the vacant positions for the defensive trio, along with Fadhal and Matthews Reis.
If this scenario is confirmed, it will certainly be a very special duel in the already long career for the Portugal international who, remember he is from Póvoa de Varzim. It was in the land club where he started taking the first kicks. 15 years only. There he grew up and completed all stages, even old age.
The longing for his first-team debut occurred in the distant 2006/07 season at the hands of Diamantino Miranda. It was launched in the last minute of the last 16 of the Portuguese Cup, against Benfica, who would eventually win the Albuferos, 2-1. Dream of debuting in a career always spent abroad. First for Siena (Italy), followed by Zenit (Russia), on loan to Fenerbahce (Turkey) in the middle, before Sporting reopened the doors of Portuguese football to them in 2019/2020.
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