Professional Football Players Syndicate nominates Alvalade starlet

Gelson Martins has been one of Alvalade's top performers so far this season, so it comes as little surprise that the Sporting sensation scooped the Professional Football Players Syndicate's Liga NOS Young Player of the Month award for August and September, ahead of André Silva and Gonçalo Guedes.

The winner of the award is named after scores from the daily sports newspapers (A Bola, O Jogo and Record) and the Professional Football Players Syndicate.

Update from the Alvalade treatment room

Sporting CP's medical department has issued the following update:

Petrovic: muscle injury to the left thigh
Jefferson: twisted right ankle
Adrien: recovering from knee surgery
Lukas Spalvis: recovering from knee surgery
Bruno Paulista: recovering from dental surgery

Information from Sporting CP's medical department

Sporting CP's medical department has released the following clinical update:

Petrovic: muscle injury in the left thigh.
Jefferson: twisted left ankle.
Rúben Semedo: myalgia in the left thigh.
Adrien: meniscectomy to the left knee.
Spalvis: operation to repair cruciate ligament.

Markovic on target to move Sporting into the Portuguese Cup 4th round

A much changed Sporting side moved into the next round of the Portuguese Cup this Thursday night with a hard fought win in Famalicão. Beto and Douglas were handed their first starts since moving to Alvalade and it was looking to be an easier night's work than it turned out to be, with Markovic netting after just ten minutes after a pass from Elias.

Although facing much stronger opposition, the hosts were determined to make a game of it and shortly after the opening goal Beto was called into a tough save. In response Elias had a golden chance to extend Sporting's lead, but the Brazilian fired off target after linking up with Alan Ruiz.

Jesus used half-time to make his first change, bringing off Petrovic and introducing William Carvalho to the action. However, not even the presence of the Portuguese international was enough to kill of Famalicão's fighting spirit. Sporting could well have put the result to bed on various occasions, but Elias took too long to pull the trigger on one occasion and chance for Gelson finished just inches wide.

Jorge Jesus on Thursday's Portuguese Cup visit to Famalicão

Sporting will open this season's Portuguese Cup campaign with a visit to Famalicão on Thursday night. Although the team from the north hail from a lower division, they are a team with a strong tradition and good following.

“Famalicão have a long history in Portuguese football. They were in the top division for a few years and they have more fans than some of the clubs in the top division", said Jorge Jesus in an interview with Sporting TV on Wednesday, adding a word on his intentions going into the competition: "It doesn't matter who we play against, what matters is the competition. We will put out a good side tomorrow and we are getting better and better in attack."

Elias sits down for an interview with O Jogo

Elias spoke in an extensive interview with the newspaper O Jogo this week. Reflecting on his return to the Portuguese capital, the Brazilian proved surprised with the progress visible in Alvalade. "Everyone who works at the club wants to win", said the 31-year old, going on to comment on his battle with Adrien for a place in the team: "He is a player that I really respect and he is a fundamental part of the team both on and off the pitch. I hope to stays with us for a long time."

Jorge Jesus was inevitably the target of a question or two, seeing Elias answer: "He is really different. He is the best coach out there right now. I have had some really good coaches, like Tite with Brazil and now Jesus is the best in my opinion. It is an honour to work with him."

In relation to president Bruno de Carvalho, Elias expressed his admiration: "He is working really hard for the club and for the players and we really appreciate him for that. It loves this club and wants to see us at the top. That kind of person is good for football."

Alan Ruiz affirms Sporting's credentials on every front

Alan Ruiz sat down for an interview with the sports newspaper Record this week.

For the Argentinean, there is little doubt on how high the bar should be set for Sporting this season: "I would bet on Sporting to win the league right now. Sporting tries in every competition and always plays for the win. Not just in the league, but in every competition. Every team we play against wants to win, because we are one of Europe's top clubs."

Update on sales of Champions League group stage tickets

Sporting Clube de Portugal has issued the following update in relation to ticket sales for the coming Champions League fixtures in Estádio José Alvalade.

MATCHDAY 3 | SPORTING CP vs BORUSSIA DORTMUND

A total of 41,000 (82% of capacity) have already been sold and a sell-out is expected for the first time in European competitions.

Tickets are still available from €35 (Member) and €55 (fan) for the Central - B Stand.

This match is included in all Gamebox 2016/2017 packages.

MATCHDAY 5 | SPORTING CP vs REAL MADRID

The first phase of sales has finished. Only non-renewed special seats can purchase tickets up until the 25th of October.

The second phase of sales will begin on the 26th of October, will all non-renewed special seats going on sale.

An additional third phase of sales will begin on the 15th of November, depending on the return of tickets from Real Madrid and Champions League sponsors.

Adrien thanks the fans for support and promises to come back in form

The Sporting captain Adrien Silva published a video dedicated to his fans on his official Facebook page this week thanking everyone for their support as he recovers from injury.

"Hi everyone. I want to thank you all for your messages and support. It has been really important for my recovery. Everything is going well and I will come back stronger. Thanks everyone", said the Alvalade midfielder.

Adrien picked up a muscle injury against Guimarães and took advantage of his time off the pitch to remedy a knee inury.

Jorge Jesus pushing the pace in the build up to Famalicão

Without his eight internationals - Rui Patrício, William Carvalho and Gelson Martins (Portugal), Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell (Costa Rica), Coates (Uruguay), Markovic (Serbia) and Bas Dost (Netherlands), and Adrien and Spalvis through injury, unavailable, Jorge Jesus headed another training session this Thursday morning.

Sporting CP will next be in action a week today, taking on Famalicão in the Portuguese Cup 3rd round.