José Mourinho on key absences in Benfica v Braga: it's a blow | OneFootball

he acknowledged that the absences for the match will be important. At the press conference previewing the game against Braga, the Benfica coach, who also addressed Real Madrid’s interest, highlighted the impact this could have on the team, but stressed that there are solutions to replace Nicolás Otamendi and Richard Ríos.

"The captain’s absence is important, someone who has almost always been available and who played whenever he could. It is a loss, just as Ríos’s absence is", the Benfica coach began by saying when asked about not being able to count on the two footballers, who will serve suspensions against the Minho side.

"Tomás is doing well, he trained without any limitations on Friday and Saturday. The feelings are all very good. There is no point in trying to hide it here", added the Benfica coach regarding the physical condition of the number 44. It should be remembered that the centre-back has not played since he was injured in the derby against Sporting.

"Tomás will play and António will play and, as you understood from yesterday’s game with the B team, Gonçalo Oliveira did not play so that he could be on the bench tomorrow and give us the cover [in that position] that we need", revealed the Special One, adding that he has solutions to meet the needs of the Eagles.

It should be noted that Benfica and Braga face off this Monday, 11 April, in the closing match of the 33rd round of the Liga Portugal Betclic, which will be refereed by João Pinheiro. On the other hand, the Eagles cannot afford to drop points against the Arsenalistas, as they need to hold on to second place to guarantee a spot in the Champions League.

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