João Simões returned to competition five months later, joining the Sporting B substitutes' bench for the home match against Lourosa. The midfielder had not played since mid-April, when he suffered a new fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot.
This injury represented a new blow for the player, who had already undergone surgery on his foot on previous occasions. Fifth metatarsal fracture is a recurring injury in professional football and requires prolonged recovery periods.
Simões' presence on the Sporting B team bench indicates he is approaching a return to competitive action, although he was not used during the match.
The midfielder's return comes at an important moment for Sporting B's options, which could benefit from the player's experience in the following matches.
