Sporting CP boss Rui Borges has admitted that reported Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres is struggling to remain physically fit, which is why he is not starting games for the side.
United have been heavily linked with a summer swoop for Gyokeres and these rumours have only intensified since Ruben Amorim’s appointment as Erik ten Hag’s replacement late last year.
United are set to dip into the market for reinforcements in the striker position and Gyokeres is a player they could look to sign. In addition to proving that he can score goals consistently, the Sweden international is also familiar with Amorim’s system.
Amidst all this, there is currently some speculation over Gyokeres, who has been nursing a mystery injury for some time. Sporting have been at pains to deny the injury is a knee problem.
Gyokeres recently missed two games but was back on the bench for Wednesday’s 3-0 Champions League defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund. Borges brought him on just before the hour mark while they were trailing.
The United target didn’t train on the eve of the meeting with Dortmund, leading to more questions over his bizarre injury.
After the loss, Borges spoke to the media and explained that Gyokeres has been dealing with fitness concerns. Borges also explained that Geovany Quenda – another player believed to be on United’s radar – is also struggling physically.
However, unlike Gyokeres, Quenda started against Dortmund and has been a regular under Borges. Still in the early stages of his career, the teenager may still be adapting to the demands of senior-level football.
Borges said about Gyokeres [via O Jogo], “I don’t want to be misunderstood, I like to be as honest as I can be and I’ve always been. You’re getting into the zone of giving Viktor importance, clubs don’t mention all players’ injuries, only the long-term ones.”
“We don’t need to be specific here, he had an injury like many others. He stopped and can’t play the full 90′, it’s to do with shortness of breath, his lungs. He lost his physical condition. But the physical deficit isn’t just felt by Viktor. Quenda is too. In the league he’s not so demonstrative, we have more of the ball.”
“But in this competition, it’s felt more. I’m not a doctor, but I’m not going to be specific here. He’s available, he doesn’t have any injuries anymore. He’s getting into his rhythm, he had a break. I wish I could have him… He makes an impact, I have no doubt. But they’re so worried about Viktor that there are things that don’t make much sense to me.”
“He stopped, recovered and is slowly coming back. We have to be careful not to get another injury.”
Pressed further about why Sporting are being so secretive about Gyokeres’ injury, Borges answered, “We adapt to our availability. Regarding injuries, I don’t remember clubs specifying injuries, except for long-term injuries. You’re the ones who are creating a mystery.”
“For me, it’s simple: he’s looking for the best physical shape. What changes? It doesn’t change anything. I’ll say, for example, that he has a sprain. I have no doubt that in the next game, they’ll treat him as if he had a sprain. We don’t need to specify the injury so much.”
With Sporting being so discreet and if the situation carries on, it remains to be seen whether suitors like United are put off and look elsewhere.
It’s important that United tread with caution and remain alert to the situation if they end up moving ahead with their plans to sign Gyokeres.
Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
