Pieros Sotiriou nears return to APOEL lineup

Cypriot striker Pieros Sotiriou is nearing a return to competitive action for APOEL after being sidelined since December 29, 2025. The 33-year-old forward was included in the matchday squad for the recent game against Aris, where he participated in warm-ups but did not enter the pitch. This marked a positive development for the player, who is now training at full capacity.

Manager Nikos Papadopoulos is looking to integrate Sotiriou into the squad to provide additional depth to the attacking line, which currently relies heavily on Pedroso, who has scored six goals in nine appearances, and Stavros Georgiou. While his previous inclusion in the squad against Aris was viewed by some as largely symbolic, current reports indicate that Sotiriou is now fully prepared to contribute significantly if called upon.

Looking ahead, Sotiriou is expected to be available for the upcoming derby against Omonia. While it is considered unlikely that he will be named in the starting lineup, his potential appearance is no longer considered merely symbolic, as the coaching staff prepares to utilize his experience in competitive situations following the international break.