Mourinho on Tomás Araújo fitness for derby, recovery 'difficult' but not ruled out | OneFootball

José Mourinho says Tomás Araújo faces a race to be fit for the derby against Sporting, though he has not ruled him out.

According to Glorioso 1904, speaking after Benfica beat Nacional 2-0, the 63-year-old said the centre-back’s recovery has been difficult, but there remains a possibility he could feature at Alvalade.

He stressed the situation is complicated and the defender has not yet been on the pitch for any field work.

Araújo sustained a muscle injury hours before kick-off in the draw with Casa Pia.

Mourinho added that a return remains hard to envisage, while noting there is one week to go.

This season Araújo, valued at 28 million euros, has played 36 times for Benfica, comprising 20 in Liga Portugal Betclic, nine in the Champions League, four in the Taça de Portugal, two in the Taça da Liga and one in Liga Portugal Meu Super. Across 2,538 minutes, he has recorded one goal and one assist.

Source: Glorioso 1904