Marco Silva dealt late blow for Hearts-Benfica, but there's good news too | OneFootball

Benfica wrapped up preparations this Wednesday for the second leg of the Europa League third qualifying round with a last-minute setback. Fredrik Aursnes is training with the group again, but he will not travel to Scotland, leaving him out of Marco Silva’s options for the match against Hearts.

after first reporting muscle overload and later suffering from gastroenteritis. Although he is already back working with his teammates, the coach decided not to take any risks at a time when the Eagles are defending a comfortable 6-1 lead earned at the Estádio da Luz.

The absence is, however, offset by positive news in central defense. Gabriel Índio, who came off injured in Benfica B’s match against Leixões, has recovered from the trauma to his left elbow and is available for Thursday’s game. The Brazilian signing had left the pitch cradling his arm, but the injury ultimately proved to be nothing more than a scare.

Marco Silva also received more positive news at Benfica Campus. Joshua Wynder has returned to ball work, although still in a limited and individualized way, taking another step in his recovery from the traumatic sprain to his left knee that kept him off the pitch. The 21-year-old American center-back has responded well to treatment and is now beginning to gradually increase his workload.

Wynder is still not ready to be an immediate option, but his return represents another possible solution on the horizon for a department the coach wants to strengthen and stabilize. With the tie all but settled, Marco Silva is expected to use the second match against Hearts to manage the workload of the more fatigued players and give minutes to less-used squad members, without losing sight of the need to maintain competitiveness and rhythm.

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