Sporting: Major Update on Ioannidis' Injury Status

Fotis Ioannidis' recovery from the recurrence of a right knee ligament injury, sustained in early February against Moreirense, has been remarkably positive in recent days. As a result, it appears he will avoid surgery to address the issue. In fact, according to **A BOLA**, there's a possibility the Greek forward could return to action next week, on April 29th, against Tondela. This match is a rescheduled fixture from the 26th round, and Ioannidis has reportedly been pain-free recently.

The prospect of surgery for the player, who joined from Panathinaikos last summer, had been considered as the injury lingered. Ioannidis first injured the same area in November, returned to play in December, experienced discomfort again in January, and then returned in February before being sidelined since. This prolonged absence has naturally put a strain on Luis Suárez, especially after Rodrigo Ribeiro's departure to Augsburg and with Ioannidis out, leaving Rafael Nel from the B team as the only other attacking option.

During the pre-derby press conference, Rui Borges had already announced that, like Luís Guilherme, the Hellenic attacker was back training on the pitch.