The new year could bring good news for Rúben Amorim. Morita is about to receive the green light from the medical department to be reinstated on the roster. According to our newspaper, the Japan international is almost recovered from the muscle strain in his right leg which has prevented him from contributing to the squad in these last three matches and is expected to return to full-time training in the week before his trip to Madeira against Marítimo ( the 8). However, due to the two weeks of inactivity, Morita’s presence in the Madeirani game is not guaranteed. Instead, he will be an option for coach Rúben Amorim in the derby against Benfica, scheduled for 15 January at the Estádio da Luz.
For this game against Marítimo, Rúben Amorim will once again have to find a solution for the central axis of midfield. With Morita doubtful and Pedro Gonçalves out of contention (he saw his fifth yellow card against Paços de Ferreira and faces a one-match suspension) two options remain to fill the vacancy. If Morita recovers and gives positive indications that he can go into the game, the problem is solved, otherwise they should win the title Sotiris (acquiring even greater identification of the routines with the position) or the young Mateus Fernandes (the latter was the first option against Marítimo, but in one match for the League Cup, and was in good shape).
For this match with the island formation, Amorim will already be able to count on Ugarte, who is again an option after completing his suspension.
