Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has revealed the conversation he had with Arthur Sales before the Brazilian forward made his long-awaited return from injury.
Sales came off the bench against Al Ahli Jeddah, marking an important step in his comeback after spending time on the sidelines.
Cardoso, however, had already prepared the forward for the possibility of a carefully managed return.
Cardoso warned Sales about a possible substitution
Speaking about Sales’ comeback, Cardoso admitted that he had a frank conversation with the Brazilian before sending him onto the pitch.
Cardoso explained that he told Sales not to be surprised if he was introduced during the second half but later withdrawn again should the match go into extra time.
The Sundowns coach was clearly mindful of managing Sales’ workload after his lengthy spell out with injury.
“I confess to you I spoke to Arthur and I told him, if I need to put you in the game in the second half and we go for extra-time, don’t be surprised if I take you out again.”
A carefully managed comeback
For Sundowns, Sales’ return represents a welcome boost as the forward works his way back towards full match fitness.
Rather than immediately placing the Brazilian back into an extended role, Cardoso appears to be taking a measured approach to his comeback.
That could prove important as Sundowns look to manage the player’s workload and gradually restore him to regular first-team football.
Sales provides another attacking option
The return of Sales gives Cardoso another option in the Sundowns attack.
The Brazilian will now be looking to build on his first appearance back from injury and regain his rhythm as he works towards full fitness.
For the player, the immediate priority is likely to be accumulating minutes without rushing the recovery process.
For Sundowns, having Sales available again adds further depth to Cardoso’s attacking options during a demanding period of the season.
