Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira is set to return to the club at the end of this month, but his time at Porto isn’t quite over yet, despite the league season being over.
The Portuguese international has spent the campaign on loan at his old club, looking to gain some much-needed form and momentum.
In that time, Vieira has impressed at Porto in spells, though the league season didn’t quite end as everyone would’ve hoped.
A third-placed finish meant that Champions League qualification was missed, along with a chance to win the title.
With that lack of money gained from qualifying for the competition, there have been doubts over Vieira’s potential return to Porto.
While it remains to be seen what happens for the Arsenal loanee, who is likely to leave again this summer, there has been a slight twist.
That’s because his loan at Porto hasn’t actually ended yet, and there is still more he can do for the team.
Fabio Vieira called up for Porto’s Club World Cup squad
While his loan is set to end in July, Fabio Vieira is still set to have an impact at Porto before he makes a return to the Emirates Stadium.
That’s because the Dragoes have named the midfielder as part of their squad travelling to the Club World Cup this month.
The revamped competition will take place in America, where an expanded format of teams will be vying for the trophy and a large cash sum at the end of it.
Vieira’s inclusion may come as a slight surprise, but he could now play a key role in helping Porto through the competition.
Any prize money raised could well fund his own move in the summer, depending on whether a deal is possible.
At the very least, it’s an opportunity for the 25-year-old to make his mark on the world stage, showing Arsenal and potential suitors exactly what he is capable of.
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Who do FC Porto play in the Club World Cup and how to watch Fabio Vieira
While Arsenal aren’t in the Club World Cup, there will be plenty of interest from the Gunners to see how one of their own players fares in the competition.
Vieira and his Porto side have three big matches in the group stages, before they take to the knockout rounds.
Palmeiras, Inter Miami and Al Ahly await in this phase of the competition, which will see Vieira go up against Lionel Messi in the process.
- Palmeiras vs Porto – 15 June – 11pm (BST) – DAZN
- Inter Miami vs Porto – 19 June – 8pm (BST) – DAZN
- Porto vs Al Ahly – 24 June – 2am (BST) – DAZN
DAZN streams of the Club World Cup are free during the competition for UK customers, making Vieira’s matches accessible for Arsenal fans to track.
It remains to be seen just how he and the side will do, with such a big challenge in their way.
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