Benfica signing Gabriel Índio ‘to miss’ St. Gallen first leg | OneFootball

Benfica face St. Gallen in the Europa League second qualifying round, first leg on 23 July, but signing Gabriel Índio will not travel for the opener in Switzerland.

According to Glorioso 1904, the Brazilian centre-back cannot play official matches until he turns 18 on 26, despite training with the squad since 25 June after a 4 million euros move from Athletic MG.

The club hold parental consent and a special authorisation from FIFA so he could work with the team from the start, yet he must wait for the return fixture in Lisbon on 30 July, by which time his professional deal will be formalised.

With Índio unavailable, new head coach Marco Silva can call on António Silva, who is expected to play before a move to Bournemouth, new arrival Clément Lenglet and academy defender Rui Silva.

St. Gallen are Benfica’s first European opponents of the new season.

Source: Glorioso 1904