Sporting CP boss makes shock admission about Viktor Gyokeres amid strong Man United links

Sporting CP boss makes shock admission about Viktor Gyokeres amid strong Man United links

Sporting CP manager Rui Borges has acknowledged that Viktor Gyokeres, a reputed target for Manchester United, is not starting games for the team because he is having trouble staying physically fit.

The rumors that United will make a summer move for Gyokeres have only gotten stronger since Ruben Amorim was named Erik ten Hag’s replacement late last year.

Gyokeres is a man United may try to sign as they plan to go into the market for striker reinforcements.

The Sweden international has demonstrated his ability to score goals on a regular basis and is also acquainted with Amorim’s approach.

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