Pelkas and Leo Matos to miss derby against AEK
PAOK will be without both Dimitris Pelkas and Leo Matos for this weekend’s derby against AEK while Mauricio and Adelinho Vieirinha are hoping for a return to action in the near future.
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PAOK midfielder Dimitris Pelkas has been ruled out for this Sunday’s clash against rivals AEK Athens after suffering a thigh injury in the Thessaloniki Derby against Aris over the weekend. Pelkas was subbed off in the 13th minute of the encounter and is expected to be out of action for 10 to 15 days.
PAOK’s medical team released that Pelkas had suffered a first-degree injury to the right hemispherical muscle. This also puts the Greek international in doubt for PAOK’s fixture with Asteras Tripolis next week.
Brazilian right-back Leo Matos will also be unavailable for Sunday’s fixture against AEK after picking up a red card against Aris. Matos was shown a red card in the 68th minute of the derby, following two bookable offences in the match.
Abel Ferreira is expected to give off-season signing Rodrigo his Super League debut on Sunday at the right-back position to replace the clinical Matos. It is still unclear who will take up Dimitris Pelkas’ position with Ferreira having options such as Dimitris Limnios and Karol Swiderski to fill the void.
Mauricio and Vieirinha update
PAOK midfielder, Maurício, has passed all necessary medical tests and will need to pass one final test next week before receiving the green light to return to the regular training program. Mauricio suffered a season-ending injury last campaign and is eager to get back on the pitch and add a much needed option to the PAOK midfield.
Captain Vieirinha recently underwent an MRI scan on his knee and the results were clear, showing positive signs in his recovery process. In 3-4 weeks, the left-back will undergo final tests in order to return to training.
