Opponent watch: World Cup-winning Benfica star fit to face Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona will look to get back to winning ways when they take on Benfica in the UEFA Champions League later this week, and it will be a critical clash with a place in the top 8 on the line.

The Catalans have done well so far this season in Europe and are in second place on the standings with two games to go. A win over the Portugals tomorrow will all but secure their place in the knockouts.

For the critical clash, however, Hansi Flick will not be able to count on Dani Olmo owing to a minor muscular niggle. Benfica, in contrast, have received a massive fitness boost ahead of the game.

Talisman returns

As revealed in a recent update by Mundo Deportivo, World Cup winner Angel De Maria missed Benfica’s last match owing to an injury.

However, he has now completely recovered and is back to complete fitness. He will thus be available to participate in the game against Barcelona tomorrow, in what comes as a massive boost for the hosts.

Angel Di Maria is back for Benfica. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

The 36-year-old has been vital for his club so far this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in just 16 appearances in the Portuguese League.

He has been impressive in the UEFA Champions League as well, scoring one goal and providing two assists in just five starts.

It remains to be seen if Bruno Lage opts to start the Argentine or bring him on as an impact substitute, but it is clear that he will look to wreak havoc on Benfica’s right wing in whatever playing time he is offered.

The onus of controlling him will thus fall on Alejandro Balde who has been growing from strength to strength in recent games. Keeping Di Maria silent will account for a major part of the result at Estadio da Luz.