Concern is mounting for FC Porto ahead of their crucial UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie, with Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi walking a disciplinary tightrope before the match against Nottingham Forest, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Sanusi faces a potential suspension due to accumulated yellow cards, casting uncertainty over his availability for the return fixture at the City Ground. 

The Nigerian left-back has already been booked twice in the competition and is just one caution away from triggering a one-match ban under UEFA regulations.

The 28-year-old has been a consistent performer for Porto in Europe this season, playing a key role in their progression to the quarter-finals. 

He featured prominently in both legs of the Round of 16 clash against VfB Stuttgart, where he also registered an assist to help secure a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Since joining Porto in 2020, Sanusi has developed into a reliable option on the left flank, combining defensive discipline with attacking support. 

With the first leg set to take place at the Estádio do Dragão, Sanusi is expected to play a pivotal role as Porto look to gain an advantage before traveling to England. 

However, the defender will need to tread carefully, especially against Forest's quick and direct wingers, to avoid picking up a third yellow card that would rule him out of the return leg.

UEFA rules stipulate that a player is automatically suspended for the next match after accumulating three yellow cards that do not lead to a red card.

As such, any caution in the first leg would see Sanusi miss what could be a decisive encounter in Nottingham.

Porto will be hoping their Nigerian star can strike the right balance between aggression and caution, as they aim to maintain their strong run in the competition without losing one of their key defensive assets at a critical stage.

Adeyemi Adewale