FC Porto sweat on the fitness of Super Eagles LB Sanusi ahead of O Classico

FC Porto manager Sérgio Conceição is sweating on the fitness of Zaidu Sanusi ahead of his sdie's O Classico clash against Benfica at Estádio da Luz on Good Friday. 

The left-back is rated as doubtful for the Primeira Liga game after suffering a muscle injury while on international duty with the Nigerian national team late last month. 

Conceição could not count on the services of Sanusi for his side's meeting with Portimonense last weekend due to the ailment.

Porto released an update on the defender's fitness on Thursday, stating that he was receiving treatment as his teammates trained at the PortoGaia Training and Sports Training Centre, in Olival - the team's final workout before their trip to Lisbon. 

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Conceição admitted that he was unsure whether Sanusi would be available for selection against Benfica. 

"Let's go until the last one, sincerely. Diogo Costa seems much better to me, as does Pepe, but Evanilson and Zaidu don't know. João Mário continues with some difficulty. I think Diogo Costa and Pepe will be able to go to the game," he was quoted as saying by Porto's official website. 

If Sanusi does not receive the green light from Porto's medical team, Brazilian fullback Wendell is expected to be named in the starting lineup for the second straight game in the division. 

The Nigerian has totaled 28 appearances in all competitions this season, including nineteen as a starter.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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