Rodrigo Zalazar
SCP
Attacking Midfielder
Left Winger
Creative Playmaker
Aug 12, 1999 (27)
Right
5'9"
159 lb
Likely to play soon
Zalazar (thigh) is out for Wednesday's match against LASK Linz but is expected to resume group training in the near future, according to manager Rui Borges. "Debast should return before Rodrigo. Based on what we have seen and observed, we believe they will be able to train normally with the group very soon."
Analysis: Zalazar picked up an injury against Braga earlier this month, and while this will be his second straight UCL absence, it sounds as if the playmaker is closing in on a return in the near future. The next few days will be key to determining when Zalazar will return to action, but the goal is to have him ready for the Nov. 3 match against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Ruled out with thigh injury
Zalazar (thigh) will miss Tuesday's Champions League clash against Lens and likely the one against LASK Linz on Oct. 21 as well after suffering a left thigh injury during Friday's 3-1 victory over Braga, according to Sapo.
Analysis: Zalazar has begun a rehabilitation program after picking up the injury against Braga, with an initial assessment suggesting his recovery should be relatively quick. However, the Uruguay international is also expected to miss the Champions League matchup against LASK Linz on Oct. 21, potentially leaving Sporting without him for multiple fixtures. The setback comes after Zalazar scored his first career Champions League goal with a free kick in the 3-1 victory over Galatasaray, a performance that also included two chances created. His recovery will be monitored over the coming weeks as Sporting looks to compensate for his absence in midfield.
Nets on Wednesday
Zalazar scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 3-1 victory against Galatasaray.
Analysis: Zalazar netted in the 63rd minute with a beautiful freekick. He recorded 15 passes, created two chances and completed a dribble. This was his first ever Champions League goal.
Signs with Sporting CP
Zalazar signed a contract with Sporting CP through 2031, after departing Braga, the club announced.
Analysis: Zalazar scored 23 goals and added eight assists in 47 appearances for Braga last season, a breakout campaign that also saw him represent Uruguay at this summer's World Cup. The midfielder began his career in Spain before moving to Eintracht Frankfurt, with loan spells in Poland and Germany at St. Pauli and Schalke ultimately leading to a permanent move to Schalke, where he helped the club earn promotion before playing in the Bundesliga in 2022-23. He went on to spend three seasons at Braga before this move. Zalazar is expected to add creativity and goal scoring threat to Sporting's midfield as he links up with fellow Uruguayan international Maxi Araujo.
Creative spark for Uruguay
Zalazar has been named in Uruguay's World Cup squad and could play an important role in attacking midfield under coach Marcelo Bielsa, arriving at the tournament in outstanding form after one of the most impressive seasons of his career with Braga.
Analysis: Zalazar contributed an exceptional 16 goals and five assists across 28 appearances this season with Braga, establishing himself as one of the most productive attacking midfielders in the Portuguese league and arriving at the World Cup with the momentum and confidence of a player performing at the peak of his powers. His arrival in the squad takes on added significance given the injury concerns surrounding several members of Uruguay's attacking midfield options, and his goal-scoring output this season makes him one of the more dangerous and underrated options available to coach Marcelo Bielsa heading into the tournament. His technical quality and delivery from dead-ball situations could also see him take on a share of set-piece responsibilities for Uruguay, adding another dimension to his already considerable influence on the team's attacking play this summer.
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