Sporting CP’s striker, Paulinho has been sidelined due to fasciitis plantar in his right foot. Although Paulinho has been responding well to treatment, he is still experiencing pain and has not yet received clearance from medical staff to get back on the field. According to reports, it is very unlikely that Sporting’s second leading goal scorer, with 15 goals to his name this season, will be available for the first match against Juventus. It all depends on his condition and how he responds to training before the match. Sporting’s coach, Rúben Amorim, has spoken highly of Paulinho’s team-first mentality, but it’s clear that the team will be at a disadvantage without his presence on the field. It remains to be seen whether the striker will recover in time for the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final at Alvalade Stadium. The injury also raises concerns about whether he will be fit for the next domestic game against Arouca. Despite this setback, Sporting remains hopeful of a strong showing in the Europa League, having already secured the Portuguese league title. The team’s top scorer, Pedro Gonçalves, with 18 goals this season, will have even more pressure on him to deliver in Paulinho’s absence. Sporting will need to put in a solid performance against Juventus, who will be tough opponents. But with a well-rested squad, the Portuguese champions will be looking to capitalize on their momentum and secure a place in the semi-finals.
