Although Porto struggled with injuries and suspensions for the first leg of the Champions League quarter finals against Liverpool, the Dragons shouldn’t have many problems this time.
Several Portuguese newspapers today report the club’s concern with Jesus Corona, who picked up an ankle injury on the weekend.
But as reported by newspaper Record, the Mexican midfielder is working hard on the recovery and should be fit to face the Reds on Wednesday.
Corona is considered to be a ‘joker’ for manager Sérgio Conceição, since he can do multiple jobs for the team. That’s why his absence would be a big blow for the Dragons.
Porto will also have the comeback of Pepe and Hector Herrera, as both return from suspension. The duo also have big importance for the team and will certainly start the game.
That means Éder Militão, who played in central defence last week, should now be moved to right-back and have the job of stopping Mané. The Brazilian, who’s been sold to Real Madrid in a €50m deal, is having his last couple of months at the Portuguese side.
So Porto will certainly have a stronger team to face Liverpool than they had last week. There’s a big feeling in the Portuguese media that a comeback can be done, although the Reds’ superiority is acknowledged.
Record also managed to interview the former Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal, who had some experience playing against Liverpool and gave Porto a few tips.
“FC Porto will have to make a perfect performance and it includes scoring goals, and I believe FC Porto will score, but not suffer,” Carlos Carvalhal told Record. “Liverpool normally score and feel very comfortable with teams that get unbalanced.”
