Schjelderup and Aursnes absence leaves Marco Silva short for Benfica’s St. Gallen qualifier

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·8. Juli 2026

Schjelderup and Aursnes absence leaves Marco Silva short for Benfica’s St. Gallen qualifier

Benfica face St. Gallen on 23 July in the Europa League second qualifying round, and Marco Silva faces a selection issue.

According to Glorioso 1904, Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup will not be available for that tie.

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Both have extended their World Cup involvement with Norway after a shock 2-1 win over Brazil secured a quarter-final against England.

Even if Norway exit at that stage, the pair are set for a holiday, then a reintegration period at Benfica Campus before returning to contention.

Their absence adds to the coach’s headache as he prepares for a demanding start. Reaching the Europa League’s league phase is an early-season objective that requires Benfica at full strength.

Silva will seek fresh solutions in that qualifier while others in the squad have a chance to earn places and convince him during a pivotal pre-season window.

Source: Glorioso 1904