Portimonense will return to league action this Sunday afternoon at home against Tondela, following an almost month-long lay-off which has seen manager António Folha’s men mostly kicking their heels.
When the club did finally manage to arrange a training match with fellow Cup competition absentees Farense last Saturday morning, the result was less than satisfactory as the second division outfit emerged the 1-0 winners thanks to a 50th-minute Irobiso strike.
A better performance will be desperately needed at the weekend, especially in view of next Friday’s difficult trip to league leaders Porto who have been heavily involved in both domestic Cup and Champions League fixtures.
One player who should be match-fit is Shoya Nakajima, returned and rested from international duty in Japan. The forward continues to attract the attention of foreign suitors and English Premier League side Southampton are expected to have observers in the Algarve ahead of tabling a €20 million offer.
By SKIP BANDELE
