Aursnes returns and could be key in Sporting v Benfica | OneFootball

Benfica are preparing to face Sporting with an important change to the starting eleven, one that could have a direct impact on the team’s balance. After being managed in the last match, Fredrik Aursnes returns to the starting line-up for one of the most demanding games of the season.

and now follows through on the plan laid out by the coaching staff, who wanted him at 100% for the derby. The confirmation was given by José Mourinho, at the press conference last Saturday. "Aursnes will play," he said.

Mourinho did not hide the importance of the Nordic international, highlighting his unique qualities. "One of the things he gives us is balance; he is a player with a very specific kind of intelligence. He is a fundamental player", he said, making clear the weight he will carry in Benfica’s strategy for Alvalade.

Since the defeat to Porto in the Portuguese Cup, Aursnes has formed a consistent midfield partnership with Leandro Barreiro, a combination that has already totalled eight matches. The coach was direct about the dependence on them. "Not having one, okay; not having both starts to become dramatic," he said, underlining his confidence in the pair.

With the midfielder’s return, . What is certain is that, in a game where every detail could prove decisive, the presence of Aursnes gives Benfica back one of their main sources of balance, precisely at the moment they need it most.

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