Morocco youngster Moncef Zekri returns to Sporting Lisbon training

Moroccan defender Moncef Zekri has returned to first-team training with Sporting Lisbon after recovering from a physical problem.

The 18-year-old joined Sporting’s group session for the first time since moving to the Portuguese club from Belgian side Mechelen in August.

Sporting confirmed that Zekri had completed a special physical recovery programme before rejoining the first-team squad.

Zekri returns to group training

The Moroccan youngster took part in training under coach Roy Borges as Sporting resumed preparations following three days of rest.

The Portuguese club were without 17 players who are currently away on international duty, prompting Borges to bring nine players from the reserve teams into the senior training group.

Zekri’s return provides another opportunity for the Morocco youth international to work with Sporting’s first team as he continues his development in Portugal.

Morocco success

Zekri has already enjoyed success with Morocco at youth level.

He was part of the Morocco Under-17 side that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and later helped the team reach the quarter-finals of the Under-17 World Cup.

Sporting will return to competitive action on 9 October when they travel to face Sporting Braga in the eighth round of the Portuguese league.