Alessandro Circati may miss January for Benfica, a blow for Marco Silva | OneFootball

Alessandro Circati’s Benfica season could be interrupted in January if he is called up by Australia for the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, potentially leaving Marco Silva short at centre-back.

According to Glorioso 1904, Tony Popovic is expected to call him up for the tournament, which runs from seven January to five February. The defender started Australia’s four matches at the 2026 World Cup, so he is among the options.

If selected, Marco Silva could be without him for almost a month, a spell that includes five league rounds and the last two Europa League group matches, should Benfica progress beyond the play-off.

Australia have three group fixtures confirmed, against Singapore on nine January, Iraq five days later, and Tajikistan on nineteen January. The absence could extend if Australia reach the knockout phase.

Benfica have confirmed Circati’s signing from Parma in a €20 million deal after António Silva’s departure. This season he made one appearance for Parma, a 2-0 Coppa Italia win over Catania, and left with 96 games, two goals and a Serie B title.

Source: Glorioso 1904

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”