Porto is preparing for its visit to La Cartuja with a squad of 24 players, after receiving good news about the recovery of three members of the group who had suffered physical problems. Coach Francesco Farioli has confirmed that centre-back Nehuén Pérez, full-back Zaidu Sanusi and goalkeeper João Costa are back and can participate in the match against Real Betis, which will be played on the second day of the league phase of the Champions League.
Despite this improvement, the team continues to face several absences that force the coach to rethink his lineup. William Gomes, who had been available every time since his injury, is recovering from a grade II sprain to his right ankle and will be out of action for several weeks. In addition, Jan Bednarek will not be able to play because he must serve the second part of a suspension derived from the last edition of the Europa League. Added to these losses are the exclusion of Chris Smalling, Dominik Prpić and Gabriel Mec from the European list, as well as the absence of João Afonso, who is also not part of the trip.
The lack of natural power plants is presented as the main challenge for Farioli. With Bednarek suspended, Smalling and Prpić off the list and Nehuén Pérez recently recovered, the coach must decide how to build the defense. Among the options are the young Jakub Kiwior and the Dominican Pablo Rosario, who could cover the central position. The group also includes two players from the reserve team, defender Luís Gomes and midfielder João Teixeira, who join the list of 24 called up to expand the coach's options.
The blue and white team has completed its list with players who cover all areas of the field. Among the goalkeepers are Diogo Costa, Cláudio Ramos and João Costa. In defense are Alberto Costa, Martim Fernandes, Francisco Moura, Zaidu Sanusi, Souza, Luís Gomes, Jakub Kiwior and Nehuén Pérez. The midfielders available are Alan Varela, Pablo Rosario, Hwang In-Beom, Gabri Veiga, Victor Froholdt and Seko Fofana, along with João Teixeira. In attack, the group has Borja Sainz, Pepê, Oskar Pietuszewski, Santiago Giménez, André Silva and Samu.
With the match scheduled for Wednesday, Porto will have to decide how to balance their defense and attack without key players sidelined. The result of this visit to Seville could influence the team's position in the Champions League group stage, as well as the confidence of the players returning from injuries. The next step will be to observe how the coach adjusts his strategy before facing Real Betis in La Cartuja.