SuperLiga match day context
The weekend fixture list features a marquee clash between FCSB and Oțelul Galați on Sunday at 20:30, broadcast on Digi Sport 1. A separate SuperLiga program includes U Cluj vs CFR Cluj on Monday, also shown on Digi Sport 1. In the midst of this busy schedule, an unusual sight drew attention: Adrian Șut did not make FCSB’s bench, despite rumors of a return to the lineup.
Adrian Șut’s bench absence and injury timeline
Adrian Șut has not appeared for FCSB since suffering an injury during the national team match against Cyprus, a 2-2 draw on September 9. Although Șut was spotted at the Arena Națională during the FCSB vs Oțelul clash, he was not listed among substitutes. The prevailing thought is that Șut is being managed ahead of a potential Europa League test, with the team scheduled to face Young Boys Berne on Thursday at 19:45, live on Digi Sport 1.
Injury updates and lineup changes for FCSB
The injury situation worsened when Daniel Graovac was withdrawn after 32 minutes due to a muscular issue. Vlad Chiricheș came on in the 35th minute, but he is not included on FCSB’s UEFA roster. The squad is further strained by the absence of other defenders, Joyskim Dawa and Ionuț Cercel, who are sidelined at the moment, complicating defensive depth for the champions.
Starting lineups: FCSB and Oțelul
FCSB starting XI: Târnovanu; Pantea, Ngezana, Graovac, Radunović; Alhassan, F. Tănase; M. Toma, Olaru, Thiam; Bîrligea. Substitutes: Zima, Udrea, Alibec, Miculescu, Kiki, M. Popescu, Edjouma, Politic, Chiricheș, Cisotti, Oct. Popescu, A. Stoian. Antrenor: Elias Charalambous.
Oțelul Galați starting XI: Dur-Bozoancă; Zhelev, Zivulić, Soriano, Holz; Ferreira, Lameira, Moreira; Sandu, Dos Santos, Lopes. Substitutes: I. Popescu, Ursu, S. Rus, Neicu, Tovar, Postelnicu, A. Ciobanu, Cihra, Frunză, Bordun, Araujo. Antrenor: Laszlo Balint.
What these selections mean going forward
With Șut possibly returning for European duty, FCSB must navigate a roster stretched by injuries while maintaining competitiveness in the domestic league. The absence of Șut, coupled with defensive players unavailable for UEFA lists, tests Charalambous’s ability to rotate without sacrificing attacking impetus. The coach has to balance short-term league ambitions with longer-term European ambitions.
Looking ahead to Europe
The upcoming Europa League fixture against Young Boys Berne adds extra pressure to manage minutes wisely. Thursday’s match at 19:45 will demand tactical discipline and depth across the squad, as FCSB aims to keep European hopes alive while contending in the domestic league. The injury situation and the decision to rest players like Șut underline the coaching staff’s broader strategy for matchdays with congested schedules.
Conclusion
As FCSB prepares for the Oțelul Galați clash, all eyes are on Adrian Șut’s fitness trajectory and the defensive lineup amid Graovac’s muscular issue and Chiricheș’s UEFA list status. The coming days will reveal whether these tactical choices translate into success in both the league and Europe.
