Ahead of Benfica v Santa Clara, Leandro Santos dragged into the mix | OneFootball

Turnaround for Leandro Santos at Benfica: after being considered discarded for the B team of the reds due to lack of minutes, new data suggests that the right-back might be an option for the Setubal native in the match against Santa Clara, which takes place next Friday, September 12.

The newspaper Record writes, on the afternoon of this Tuesday, September 9, that the under-20 international is seen as the natural replacement for the right side of the defense, since Amar Dedic, after receiving a red card against Alverca, will serve a suspension against the Azoreans. However, there are no certainties.

The same source reminds that the Setubal native has already accustomed Benfica fans to various adaptations, so nothing ensures that the young full-back will be an option on Friday, opening the opportunity for Bruno Lage to once again position Tomás Araújo on that side of the field. This alone already gives the coach some headaches.

However, Bruno Lage's headaches are not limited to the right side of the defense; the same issue arises in the central axis, with a strong possibility that Nicolás Otamendi may not be an option, since he plays in the early hours of September 10 and the travel could be a hindrance.

Who will not participate in Friday's match is Dodi Lukebakio, the right winger, who joined the red team during the deadline day and is still not physically available to be part of the coach's options. Despite undergoing intensive treatment, the Belgian is still not 100% fit.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.