Jorge Jesus includes 18 for Liga NOS matchday 21

Jorge Jesus has included 18 players in his squad for Monday's hosting of Rio Ave, on Liga NOS matchday 21:

Goalkeepers: Rui Patrício and Azbe Jug

Defenders: João Pereira, Paulo Oliveira, Sebastián Coates, Ruben Semedo and Marvin Zeegelaar

Midfielders: William, Aquilani, Adrien, João Mário and Bruno César

Forwards: Carlos Mané, Gelson Martins, Bryan Ruiz, Teo Gutiérrez, Hernán Barcos and Slimani

Sporting CP-Rio Ave will get underway at 19h00 today, in Estádio José Alvalade.

Interview with Sporting's Uruguayan international

Ever wondered what is going through a player's head when penning a deal with a new club? Well in the case of Sebastián Coates, it was the new kit he was about to put on. "It is really beautiful. It is a really nice colour", said the Uruguayan international.

Standing a towering 1.96m, Sebastián Coates will wear number 13. "Sporting is a club with a lot of history. It is one of the big clubs in Portugal and I am really happy. I will work and do the best I can", affirmed the centre-back in his first interview in Alvalade, having arrived on loan from Sunderland. “I have been playing in Europe for some years now and I am a player that likes to win, that is the main thing about me. I give everything I have got in every training session and match. I work hard, which is the most important thing, and I will give everything I can on the pitch for Sporting. I know the coach and I know his work. Sporting are really strong, we are in first in the league and we are in Europe, which is also important", finished the defensive giant.

Alvalade new recruits already given squad numbers

The latest Alvalade reinforcements have already been given their shirt numbers.

The Uruguayan international Sebastián Coates will wear 13.

The Argentinean international Hernán Barcos will use number 29.

Sebastián Coates

Sporting Clube de Portugal, Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Sunderland AFC for the loan of the player Sebastián Coates, with Sporting SAD having an option to purchase the player for 5,000,000.00€.

Sporting SAD wishes Sebastián Coates the best of professional and personal success.