Rafa Silva and Besiktas clash again, Benfica rubbing their hands with glee | OneFootball

Rafa Silva is once again at the center of controversy in Turkey. The former Sport Lisboa e Benfica player finds his name involved in an alleged disagreement with the Besiktas coaching staff, a situation that the Eagles are closely monitoring. The saga now sees new, contradictory developments regarding his recent use in the league.

Contradictory versions about the winger’s absence

Information reported by the newspaper A Bola contradicts the theory of the player’s voluntary unavailability. According to the sports daily, the Portuguese international did not refuse to take the field, ensuring that he was physically fit to compete. The same source claims that the number 27 didn’t even speak directly with the coach about this sensitive issue.

Sergen Yalçin presented a different version at a press conference: “The coaches spoke with Rafa during the week. The player said he wasn’t ready and didn’t want to be included in the squad. So, we didn’t select him. If he says he’s ready, since we have gaps in attack, then we’ll call him up. For me, there’s no problem.”

Benfica closely monitoring new developments

On the pitch, the Istanbul side could do no better than a draw in the tough away match against Trabzonspor. The 16th round match of the Turkish Super League ended in a 3-3 draw, in a duel where the absence of the Portuguese playmaker was felt in the visitors’ attacking play.

This season, the 32-year-old footballer has made 16 official appearances and scored five goals for the Istanbul club. However, the winger has not worn the shirt in competitive matches since November 2. This prolonged absence deepens doubts about his future at the historic Turkish club.

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