Rafa Silva ‘to await’ clearance, Benfica debut against Estrela da Amadora in doubt | OneFootball

Rafa Silva is pushing to make his Benfica bow against Estrela da Amadora at Estádio da Luz, but the 32-year-old’s involvement could hinge on paperwork and a late fitness assessment.

According to A Bola, on Friday, 23 January, hours after being unveiled he was registered with the Liga de Clubes, yet he must await international clearance before he can be named in the matchday squad.

José Mourinho had hoped to involve the forward this week, however he will first gauge the player’s condition to decide whether he meets the criteria for selection.

Mourinho has doubts over the player’s condition, as Rafa Silva has neither played nor trained in full since November after a clash with Besiktas. The fixture has also drawn the attention of Estrela coach João Nuno.

This season for Besiktas, Rafa Silva has made 16 appearances, 10 in the league in Türkiye, four in the Conference League and two in Europa League qualifying, totalling 1,360 minutes with five goals and three assists. He is valued at 5 million euros.

Source: Glorioso 1904