Alert, Benfica! Mourinho updates on Tomás Araújo: hardly... | OneFootball

José Mourinho admitted that the chances of Tomás Araújo featuring in the derby are slim. At the end of the match, in which Benfica beat Nacional 2-0, the 63-year-old coach acknowledged that the centre-back’s recovery has not been easy. However, he also admitted that there is still a chance the Portugal international could be at Alvalade.

"I’d say it’s unlikely he’ll recover, but... I’m not saying it’s impossible", began the Special One, when asked about Tomás Araújo’s recovery. Even so, despite admitting the difficulties surrounding the defender’s situation, the coach still believes his return against Sporting could happen.

"I’m saying the situation is difficult. He hasn’t even been out on the pitch for any kind of field work yet", José Mourinho revealed, while explaining how the player’s recovery period has been going. The defender suffered a muscle injury at the last minute, just hours before Benfica took the field in the draw against Casa Pia.

"I find it difficult to see him recovering, but we’ll see. There’s still a week to go", José Mourinho stated at the press conference, while clarifying Tomás Araújo’s medical situation. It should be remembered that, in recent days, the national press has stressed that Benfica see the number 44 as the new 'boss' of the Eagles’ defence.

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