The scare at the Dragão was just that—a scare. Diogo Costa was substituted at halftime during FC Porto’s victory over AVS (2-0), but the club quickly clarified the medical situation, dispelling any fears of a prolonged absence for their captain at a crucial stage of the season.
In an official statement released on Tuesday morning, the Dragons explained the reasons that led Francesco Farioli to withdraw the Portuguese international goalkeeper from the match, bringing on Cláudio Ramos for the second half.
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### The Diagnosis: Muscle Spasm, No Serious Concerns
According to the note issued by the club, Diogo Costa suffered:
#### Debrief – FC Porto Statement
“a muscle spasm with cramp in the left calf.”
This situation necessitated an immediate substitution but does not raise any major concerns. The goalkeeper simply underwent “treatment” upon returning to work at the Jorge Costa Training and Sports Development Centre in Olival, and it has been classified as “a non-serious injury.”
Everything indicates that the blue and white captain will be fit to return to competition for the next official commitment.
Santa Clara on the horizon and captain almost guaranteed
The next test for FC Porto is scheduled for Sunday, January 4, at 6:00 PM, at the Estádio de São Miguel, against Santa Clara, in a match of the 17th round of the Primeira Liga.
Based on the medical information released, Diogo Costa is expected to recover in time to be included in Farioli’s options for a game that could be crucial to maintain — or even strengthen — the lead at the top of the table.
Medical bulletin still includes several names at Olival
In addition to Diogo Costa, the Porto medical bulletin continues to include several important names:
- Nehuén Pérez – “treatment and gym”, after surgery for a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon
- Luuk de Jong – “treatment” for a partial injury to the anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee
- Tomás Pérez – “conditioned” training due to myalgia in the left thigh
Joining them is Zaidu Sanusi, absent as he is competing in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) representing Nigeria.
Farioli calls up youth from the B team
In light of the absences, Francesco Farioli turned to the youth setup and promoted two young players from the B team to join the first team training:
- Gabriel Brás, central defender, 21 years old
- João Teixeira, central midfielder, 19 years old
Two talents who are now closer to fulfilling their dream of making their debut at the highest level, in a FC Porto that continues to focus on the future without losing sight of the present.
The blue and white squad now enjoys a day off, returning to training on Thursday, January 1, 2026, for a special session at the Estádio do Dragão, open to fans starting at 3:00 PM.
Strengthened leadership and 2025 ending on a high
The victory over AVS, secured with two goals from Samu Aghehowa (48’ and 64’, the latter from a penalty), allowed FC Porto to finish 2025 solely at the top of the I Liga, with 41 points.
The Dragons have accumulated:
– **+5 points** ahead of **Sporting**, the second-placed team
– **+10 points** over **Benfica**, in third place, after the Eagles drew with **SC Braga** (2-2) in a match surrounded by refereeing controversy
With a comfortable margin, high confidence, and the captain nearly recovered, FC Porto enters 2026 with an ideal scenario: firm leadership, a united group, and total ambition.
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