José Mourinho could have key boost for Sporting v Benfica derby | OneFootball

José Mourinho is waiting on Fredrik Aursnes for Sunday’s Sporting v Benfica derby, with the midfielder’s return to the XI considered likely. According to Glorioso 1904, boosting the Norwegian’s physical levels has been a key focus for Benfica’s staff this week ahead of the Liga Portugal Betclic match at Alvalade on matchday 30.

Back from injury last weekend, Aursnes played 13 minutes in the 2-0 win over Nacional. That cameo suggested he is ready, though he still needs competitive rhythm.

His lay-off stemmed from a muscle problem in the back of his left thigh suffered at Gil Vicente in Barcelos on two March. He then missed four club matches, against Porto, Arouca, V. Guimarães and Casa Pia, plus two Norway games in March.

After beating Nacional, Mourinho underlined Aursnes’s influence, saying Benfica are better with him and that, if he is fit, he plays. He had started Leandro Barreiro and Richard Ríos in central midfield that night.

For Alvalade, the prospect of reuniting Barreiro with Aursnes, the duo that has delivered most across the season, has grown. Mourinho has described both as vital, adding that losing one is manageable, while being without both verges on the dramatic.

This season Aursnes has played 43 times for Benfica, 23 in the league, 14 in the Champions League, four in the Taça de Portugal, two in the Taça da Liga and one in the Supertaça. Across 3,648 minutes he has four goals and eight assists, and he is valued at 17 million euros.

Source: Glorioso 1904