Liedson out of Portuguese Cup final

Brazilian striker undergoes operation

It’s official. Sporting’s star striker Liedson will not be able to play in Sunday’s Jamor final of the Portuguese Cup against FC Porto.

This Friday the Brazilian marksman will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. The operation requires several weeks of recovery time, despite being considered a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

Sporting’s medical staff do not want to set dates regarding the Brazilian’s return but the “Levezinho” will not be able to contribute to team’s effort to retain the trophy. Liedson scored the winning goal in last season’s final (Sporting 1-0 Belenenses).

He suffered the injury on 27 April in the game against Maritimo. Team doctors first reported he would be out for three weeks but the treatment did not have the desired effect.

Liedson scored 23 goals in all competitions this season and is by far Sporting’s top scorer, so his absence is a blow as the Lions face the national champions.