Richard Ríos takes big risks for Benfica’s cause | OneFootball

Midfielder Richard Ríos made an important decision for his immediate future at Luz by opting not to undergo surgery. After suffering a dislocation in his right shoulder, the Benfica footballer chose a conservative treatment. This approach allows him to avoid a break that would prematurely end his participation in the current sports season.

There are strong reasons behind this choice by the Colombian international serving Benfica. Besides wanting to help the club in its domestic and European objectives, the player is focused on the final stage of the 2026 World Cup. An operation would require an extensive recovery time, jeopardizing the physical condition necessary to represent the "Cafeteros" national team.

In the most positive scenario outlined by the medical department, the athlete is expected to miss only five official games. This list includes matches against Rio Ave, Juventus, Estrela da Amadora, Real Madrid, and Tondela. Richard Ríos' recovery will be monitored daily to ensure the shoulder stabilizes without the need for more invasive methods immediately.

The goal is to have the player available for the decisive clash against Alverca in February. The technical team led by José Mourinho considers the midfielder a key piece in the tactical structure, especially in matches of high physical demand. The athlete's personal sacrifice aims precisely to shorten deadlines to meet the urgent needs of the team at this stage.

This season, wearing Benfica's jersey, Richard Ríos - valued at 22 million euros - has played 32 matches: 16 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 10 in the Champions League, three in the Portuguese Cup, two in the League Cup, and one in the Super Cup. In the 2,622 minutes he played, the midfielder scored three goals and made two assists.

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