Sporting's Tonel faces five weeks out

Sporting Clube de Portugal's slender hopes of overhauling FC Porto at the Portuguese Liga summit have received a significant blow after Tonel was ruled out for up to five weeks with a dislocated shoulder.

'Only option'
The 26-year-old sustained the injury midway through the second half of Sporting's 3-1 win against CF Estrela da Amadora on Saturday. He defied the pain to complete the match but underwent surgery yesterday, and could be sidelined until the end of April. "The surgery was the only option that guarantees a full recovery," the club announced in a statement. "He will be out for at least five weeks."

Liedson absence
It means the Portuguese centre-back will miss Saturday's crucial game against Porto at the Estádio do Dragão, a match which could see the Lisbon outfit close to within six points of the summit. Coach Paulo Bento will also have to do without Liedson, who was sent off against UD Leiria last week and received a two-match suspension.