Benfica: Winger back after three months, another out vs Santa Clara | OneFootball

After three months, Dodi Lukébakio is back in Benfica’s squad options. The Belgian international traveled to the Azores and may even play, according to José Mourinho. “He’s already past that period that Ríos and Bah are in. He’s going to play,” said the Benfica coach to BTV.

After the win against Alverca last Sunday, José Mourinho believed that Lukebakio might only be ready to face AFS SAD next week. However, the summer signing has become a valid option and now has the opportunity not only to return to competition earlier, but also to play in the first leg of the Champions League playoff against Real Madrid.

This is a major reinforcement. Without playing since November 18, the date on which he suffered a fracture in his left ankle while on duty with the Belgian national team, Lukebakio was an undisputed part of the “Special One’s” plans. After coming off the bench in his debut against Rio Ave, he started in the next 10 matches.

On the other hand, Bruma is left out of José Mourinho’s options. After missing the first months of the season due to a complete rupture of the left Achilles tendon, the player was called up for the first time this season on January 17, in the win against Rio Ave. However, he has only played 13 minutes so far, spread over the last two rounds, against Tondela and Alverca. The Portuguese international stayed in Lisbon.

Benfica will take the field this Friday, February 13, against Santa Clara, in a match for the 22nd round of Liga Portugal Betclic. The match against the team led by Petit will be played at 6:30pm at Estádio de São Miguel, in the Azores archipelago.

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