Marco Silva without Aursnes for Hearts v Benfica, Índio fit as Wynder steps up recovery | OneFootball

Benfica have suffered a late setback before the Europa League third qualifying round second leg against Hearts, with Fredrik Aursnes ruled out. According to Glorioso 1904, the midfielder has trained with the group but will not travel to Scotland, leaving Marco Silva without him.

Aursnes is not yet fully fit after a muscle overload followed by gastroenteritis. Despite rejoining team sessions, the coach has chosen not to risk him, while Benfica defend a 6-1 first-leg lead earned at Estádio da Luz.

There is better news in defence. Gabriel Índio has recovered from a left elbow trauma sustained for Benfica B against Leixões and is available for Thursday. He left that game holding his arm to his chest, but the issue proved only a scare.

At Benfica Campus, Joshua Wynder has resumed ball work on an individual, limited basis as he recovers from a traumatic sprain to his left knee. The 21-year-old centre-back is responding well to treatment and is gradually increasing his workload.

Wynder is not ready for immediate selection, yet his progress offers another option on the horizon for a unit Silva wants to stabilise. With the tie largely under control, Marco Silva should use the second game to manage heavier workloads and hand minutes to lesser-used players, while keeping competitiveness and rhythm.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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