FC Porto have been handed a triple fitness boost ahead of the derby against Benfica with Victor Froholdt, Samu and Oskar Pietuszewski all declared fit, but they have lost Seko Fofana to a late injury. Manager Francesco Farioli confirmed the trio's availability after the medical bulletin, but announced Fofana's muscular problem which rules him out of the clash at the Dragão.

Froholdt, who suffered a concussion against Moreirense and missed the last two games, is in line to start. Spanish forward Samu, who has not played since February due to a knee injury, and Polish player Pietuszewski, recovered from a thigh issue, are likely to be on the bench. "All others are fit," said Farioli.

The loss of Fofana with a left adductor injury is a significant blow. The midfielder was a key component and his absence forces a reshuffle in the engine room. Nehuén Pérez also picked up a muscular injury at the start of the week, while Zaidu, João Costa, Vasco Sousa and André Miranda remain long-term absentees.

Farioli also addressed Santiago Giménez's call-up to the Mexico national team, stating, "We have to respect it, there was nothing we could do. We will stay in direct contact to maximise his time away from the club." Regarding Alberto Costa and André Silva not being selected for Portugal, the coach said they would be happy if called but are relaxed working with the squad.

The derby, scheduled for 20:30 today at the Estádio do Dragão, is the 7th round of the Liga. Porto top the table with 18 points, two clear of Benfica in second, and arrive with four wins from their last five matches. Their most recent result was a 4-1 victory over Casa Pia. The team has 90 minutes to achieve their goal of staying top, before travelling for their next fixture, the 12th round of the Liga, against Sporting next week. Fans can check the full squad and upcoming fixtures on the official site.

The probable lineup features Diogo Costa in goal, with Alberto Costa, Jan Bednarek, Jakub Kiwior and Rodrigo Moura in defence. In midfield, Froholdt is expected to join Pablo Rosario and Gabri Veiga, with William Gomes, André Silva and Pepê forming the attack. Farioli's final decision on integrating the returning players will be cautious, with no risks taken ahead of the international break.

More detail at O Jogo