FC Porto coach Francesco Farioli says defender Sanusi Zaidu was substituted off at half-time against Estoril as a precaution, but he expects the Nigerian to be available for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Napoli.

Porto won the game 4-0 to maintain their unbeaten start to the Portuguese league from 10 games.

The Nigerian defender’s withdrawal raised concerns over his fitness level, but Farioli said he had acted to avoid unnecessary risks.

“Zaidu against Napoli? I think so. I didn’t want to take any risks. I believe he will be available,” Farioli told O Jogo.

Zaidu joined William Gomes, Oskar Pietuszewski and Chris Smalling at Porto’s Olival training centre on the squad’s day off on Sunday, with all four players continuing their respective recovery programs ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against the Italians.

The defender has played six league games for Porto this season and has been linked with a January move to Premier League club Leeds United.

While Farioli is optimistic about Zaidu’s availability, Gomes remains doubtful for the meeting with Napoli. 

The Brazilian winger is recovering from a grade two sprain in his right ankle and is working to return in time for the European fixture.

Farioli acknowledged that Porto are trying to have Gomes available, although his participation remains uncertain.

Pietuszewski and Smalling, meanwhile, have been ruled out as they require further recovery time.

Porto will host Napoli at 8:00 PM on Wednesday in their fourth Champions League match of the campaign.