Aursnes ‘could be fit’ for Benfica v Real Madrid as Dedic faces late call | OneFootball

Fredrik Aursnes could be available for Benfica’s Champions League play-off first leg against Real Madrid on 17 February, with recovery trending positively. Record writes that the Norwegian is showing encouraging signs that could persuade José Mourinho to include him.

Aursnes had been a concern after missing the trip to the Azores with a muscle issue. His progress has raised hopes of involvement at the Luz.

Amar Dedic is also delivering positive signals and, like Aursnes, has a strong chance of featuring in the tie. Mourinho has rested the Bosnian full back in less demanding matches to manage his condition.

His availability will be assessed right up to the moments before kick-off, with Mourinho conscious that his fitness needs careful handling, as he has said previously.

Enzo Barrenechea, valued at 15 million euros, has made 33 competitive outings for Benfica this season, 17 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 12 in the Champions League, two in the Taça de Portugal, one in the Taça da Liga and one in the Supertaça. Across 2,450 minutes, the Argentine has one goal and one assist.

Source: Glorioso 1904