Jorge Jesus: Joao Mario will play for Sporting v Porto

Jorge Jesus believes that Joao Mario will feature in Sporting CP's next Primeira Liga clash against Porto after the Portugal international sat out this weekend amid rumours about his future.

Sporting made it two wins from two games on Saturday, defeating Pacos de Ferreira 1-0 thanks to Adrien Silva grabbing the winner on the stroke of half-time.

Joao Mario was absent as speculation continues to swirl around a possible departure to Frank de Boer's Inter Milan, but his coach has moved to dispel such transfer rumours, insisting the absence was down to fitness concerns as opposed to a rift with his star midfielder.

"Joao Mario is a Sporting player," Jorge Jesus told A Bola.

"It [his absence] did not come about because of a situation occurring in the last training session.

"I could take the risk but I was afraid risking his fitness in this game which would affect the future.

"If nothing changes, he will be playing in the game against Porto on Sunday."

Meanwhile, Queens Park Rangers midfielder Sandro has claimed Sporting treated him "like a dog" after a move to Portugal's top flight fell through earlier in the transfer window.

The 27-year-old, who spent last season on loan at West Brom, looked all set to seal a proposed £1.5million switch to Jorge Jesus' side, only for Sporting to pull out of the deal, claiming  the former Tottenham enforcer failed his medical due to a problem with his right knee.

However, Sandro - whose medical with Sporting took place just days prior to his wedding  - has refuted those accusations, having had his knee cleared by renowned specialist Andy Williams.

And the Brazilian has also alleged the Lisbon club were willing to revive the deal should he lower his wage demands but believes Sporting's claims about his fitness will have scuppered chances of a move away from Loftus Road.

"All my friends were worried for me when they saw the news; but I knew my knee was absolutely fine," Sandro told Sportsmail.

"I was so angry, they treated me like a dog. It was hard for me, just a couple of days before my wedding. It was difficult to forget, but I tried to positive. But I was so angry.

"Andy Williams saw my scan photos before I arrived and he was like: “What happened? I can't see anything wrong.

"Clubs think I'm not fit, but I'm feeling the best I've felt for a long time."