Porto could be without key player for Benfica cup clash | OneFootball

Francisco Moura remains doubtful for the match against Benfica, counting towards the Portuguese Cup. The full-back suffered a muscle injury in his left adductor and may miss the classic against the Reds. The blue and white technical team is awaiting the player's clinical progress, whose unavailability would force significant changes in the defense.

To cover this position at Porto, Francesco Farioli has Martim Fernandes in the main squad. The situation is further complicated by Zaidu’s absence, as he is away on international duty at the AFCON. There is also the option of adapting Jakub Kiwior, who can also play as a left-back.

On Benfica’s side, the absences for the visit to their rival’s ground are numerous and affect all sectors. Samuel Soares, Alexander Bah, António Silva, Nuno Félix, and João Veloso are out. The list of unavailable players is completed by Enzo Barrenechea, Bruma, and Dodi Lukebakio, creating a real headache for Mourinho.

Complicated history for the Eagles

At the home of the blue and whites, Eagles and Dragons have faced each other 120 times. The club from Luz has won 19, drawn 31, and lost 70. On the last occasion, in a match for the eighth round of Liga Portugal Betclic, José Mourinho’s team drew 0-0.

The Portuguese Cup match will take place next Wednesday, January 14. Benfica – who beat Farense in the previous round – will travel to Estádio do Dragão, with kickoff scheduled for 8:45 p.m. The match, part of the quarter-finals of the competition, will be broadcast live and free-to-air on RTP 1.

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