Almeida to be released by Sligo?

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SLIGO Rovers are expected to confirm within the next 24 hours whether speculation over the departure of injured defender Mauro Almeida is true.

The 27-year-old Portuguese man has been plagued by a troublesome ankle all season, only taking part in three of Rovers’ matches, and rumours are rife that he will return to his native country to seek treatment.

Club spokesperson Dermot Brannigan said the club was making no official comment on the matter, but that if there was an announcement it would be in the next 24 hours.

Sligo host Derry City tonight at the Showgrounds and Almeida has no chance of taking part with Brannigan confirming he did not train today.

His only game time this season has included coming on as a substitute against Dundalk in early April, playing around 75 minutes of their match against St Patrick’s Athletic in mid-May and his only full game of the season, against Galway United two weeks ago.

Almeida has been with Rovers since February 2008, transferring there after just six months with Swindon Town.

He had began his career with FC Porto, although failed tomake a first team appearance, moving to Estrela Amadora for two seasons. Stints with Dutch side FC Zwolle, Bulgarian top division club Vihren Sandanski and Accrington Stanley followed before he moved to England.